No. 19. 

FRENCH'S AMERICAN ACTING EDITION 

THE HAND OF THE LAW 



B "Kural Drama in tibrce Bets 



BY 

CHARLES R. ANGELL 



COPTRIGHT, 1913, BY SaMUEL FrENCH 



Notice.— The Pi-ofessional acting rights of this pl-ay are rescr\'ed by 
the publisher, and permission for spch performances must be ob- 
tained before performances ai-e given. This notice does not api)ly 
to amateurs, who may perform the play without permission. All 
unauthorized professional productions will be prosecuted to the 
full extent of the law. 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



THE HAND OF THE LAW 



a 1Rura[ ©rama In XTbrec acts 



CHARLES R. ANGELL 



Copyright, 1913, by Samuel French 



NOTICE. "The Professional acting rights of this play are re- 
served by the pablisher, and permission for snch perform- 
ances must be obtained before performances are given. This 
notice does not apply to amatenrg, who may perform the play 
without permission. All unauthorized professional pro- 
ductions will be prosecuted to the full e2.ter.t of the law. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



^>0 



'}> 



V 



Q 



CID 3454J. 



/U 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 



STORY OF THE PLAY. 

THE HAND OF THE LAW is an interesting 
story of New England life, the scenes being laid in 
the little village of Bradford, county seat of Brad- 
ford county. Dan Chamberlain, a young attor- 
ney, wins the love of Edith Hazelton, a village 
girl. Dan is chosen to the office of prosecuting at- 
torney, defeating Squire Evans, owner of the grist 
mill, for re-election. Through force of circum- 
stances he is placed in the position of prosecuting 
Ruben Hazelton, father of Edith, on a charge of 
murder, the circumstantial evidence against Ruben 
being great. A misunderstanding arises between 
Edith and Dan, brought about by the squire, who 
loves Edith, and Grace, who is in love with Dan.- 
The murdered man is George Gregory, bookkeeper 
for the squire, and there was but one witness, Ezra, 
a village lad, who is struck by a chance shot from 
the squire's revolver before he has an opportunity 
to reveal the identity of the murderer. Through 
the work of Abner Judkins, a tin badge detective, 
and through an accident which restores Ezra's 
memory, Ruben is cleared of the murder charge 
and Dan wins Edith. Comedy is furnished by 
Abner and by Sally Snodgrass, maid-of-all work 
for the Hazeltons. 



4 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Dan Chamberlain. . . .A young lawyer, afterward 

prosecuting attorney 

Ruben Hazelton A victim of drink 

Squire Evans Owner of the grist mill 

Ezra A village lad 

Luke Higgins Sheriff^ of Bradford county 

Abner Judkins. . . .a tin badge detective and em- 
ploye of the Haceltons 

Mrs. Hazelton Wife of Ruben 

Grace Evans Daughter of the squire 

Edith Hazelton Daughter of Ruben 

Sally Snodgrass Maid-of-all work 

APPEARANCE IN ACTS. 



Dan. . . . 
Ruben. . 
Squire. . 
Ezra. . . , 
Sheriff. 
Abner. . 
Mrs. H.. 
Grace. . 
Edith . . 
Sally. . . . i 



SYNOPSIS. 



ACT I. 

The Hazelton Home at Bradford. 

ACT II. 

Sheriff's Office, Bradford County Jail, three 
weeks later. 



JHE HAND OF THE LAW. 5 

ACT IH. 

Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Bradford County 
Court House, the next day. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR CHARACTERS. 

Dan Chamberlain — {Lead) — Age thirty. 
Smooth face. 

Act I — Light suit ; straw hat. 

Act H — Prince Albert suit. Soft hat; black 
shoes. 

Act hi — Same as Act II. 



Squire Evans — {Character heavy) — Age 60. 
Gray side whiskers. 

Acts I, II and III — Black Prince Albert suit. 
Silk hat. Soiled clothing, but not ragged, having 
appearance of rich but stingy effect. Carries cane. 



Luke Higgins — {Character Sheriff) — Ruddy 
complexion, gray hair and beard. Age 50. 
Acts I. II and HI — Soft shirt, soft hat. 



Ruben Hazelton — {Character) — Age 50. 

Acts I, II and III — Soft hat, soft shirt, dark 
trousers, shoes and coat. Drunkard appearance. 
Gray hair. Smooth face. 



Abner Judkins — {Comedy) — Age twenty. 

Act I — Soft shirt, boots, coat, overalls. Dress 
up after tub incident in first act. Dress up in second 
and third acts. 



Ezra Chapman — {Country boy) — Age eighteen. 
Act I — Boots and overalls. Large straw hat. 
Act II and HI — Dress up. Black suit. Sallow 
complexion. 



6 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Mrs. Hazelton — (Character) — Age fifty. — Con- 
ventional makeup for country town woman. Gray 
hair. Black outfit for second and third acts. 



Grace Evans — (Heavy) — Age 28. Stunning 
summer dress first act. Summer hat and parasol. 

Act II, walking suit and hat. Act HI, same as 
act II. 



Edith Hazelton — (Lead) — Age 23. 

Act I — Shirtwaist suit. Carries sunbonnet. 

Act II — Black suit. 

Act III — Same as act II. 



Sally Snodgrass — (Comedy Ingenue) — Age 
nineteen. 

Act I — Hired girl makeup. Gingham apron, 
large shoes, etc. 

Act II — Dress up. (Comical) 

Act hi — Same as act I. On last appearance 
dress up. (Comical) 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

PROPERTIES. 

ACT I. 

Nickel badge for Abner. 

Pail for Sally. 

Five cent novel for Abner. 

Wooden pump, (practical) 

Plate for Abner. 

Fishpole for Ezra. 

Tin can for Ezra. 

Wooden tub. 

Two galvanized tubs. 

Apron for Abner. 

Two wooden benches. 

One axe. 

Pile of wood. 

Parasol for Grace. 

Book for Sally. 

Cigar for Abner. 

Cane for Squire. 

Sure fire revolver for squire. 

Church' bell. 

Red fire. 



ACT n. 



Wardrobe with top loose. 

Keys for sheriff. 

Desk (old) 

Plain table. 

Hall rack. 

Rack with keys. 

Extra bunch of keys for wardrobe door. 

Map. 

Six plain chairs. 

Newspaper for sheriff. 



S THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Overcoat for sheriff. 

Paper, ink, pen and envelope for desk. 

Lamps or light button. 

Photograph for squire. 

Letter for Sally. 



ACT in. 

Flat top desk. 

Carpet. 

Hall rack. 

Bookcase and books. 

Papers, lawbooks, inkwell, telephone, etc., for desk. 

Drop electric light for desk. 

Tin box and papers for Ezra. 

Papers for Dan. 

Seven chairs. 

Curtains for two windows. 



SETTING FOR FIRST ACT. 



A — Bench. 

B — Tree with seat. 

C — Churn. 

D — Fence (Picket). 

E — Barn. 

F — Pile of wood. 

G— Axe. 

H — Pump and tub. 



( Curtain. ) 



The Hand of the Law. 

ACT I. 



(Abner is discovered in tree seat reading dime 
novel. ) 

Abner. (reads) Ha, ha, laughed Handsome 
Harry, as he gazed upon the bound form of Dare- 
devil Dan, the brave detective. Ha, ha, he 
laughed again as he unsheathed his knife and pre- 
pared to send the sleuth to his doom. But he had 
reckoned without his host, for, breaking his bonds. 
Daredevil Dan sprang to his feet and grappled with 
the villain. The next instant a knife flashed in the 
air (becomes excited) but it was not Daredevil Dan, 
but Handsome Harry, who fell, pierced to the heart. 
(looks up — talks) Now, there's sum class in bein' 
a detective like Daredevil Dan. I'll bet he never 
had t' split wood an' carry water. But I guess such 
things don't happen t' real detectives like me. Here 
I've been a member of th' International Detectives' 
bureau fer two months an' even paid two dollars 
fer a badge (rubs badge pinned to suspender with 
coat sleeve) — an' nothin' like that ever happened t' 
me. 

(Sally appears in doorzvay r. zvith pail and ad- 
vances toward Abner. Abner does not see 
her. ) 

9 



10 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Abner. (continues) A man don't have no chance 
nowadays. 

Sally. Where's th' man? 

(Abner jumps to his feet and fries to conceal the 
novel under his coat, but Sally notices it.) 

Sally, {points finger at Abner) Ah, ha, Abner 
Judkins, reading a dime novel again. I'm going to 
tell Mrs. Hazelton and she will learn ye t' waste 
yer time like that. 

Abner. Sal, ye wouldn't snitch on a feller, 
would ye? 

Sally, {descends steps) Well, you jest try me 
an' see. 

Abner. Aw, Sal, ye know I'd do anything fer ye. 

Sally, {eagerly) Will ye wipe dishes? 

Abner. Aw, Sal. 

Sally. Well, then, I'll 

Abner. {disgustedly) Aw, I'll do et. 

Sally, {sits on steps) Heard anything from th' 
election, Ab? 

Abner. Naw, et's been too durn hot t' go chasin' 
down street. But I don't see how they kin beat Dan 
Chamberlain fer prosecutin' attorney. 

Sally. Ye never kin tell, Ab. Squire Evans is 
pretty strong in these parts, an' he's more then 
likely t' land th' office fer another term. Ye know 
a young lawyer like Dan hasn't got much chance 
against a crafty old politician like th' squire, espec- 
ially when so many of th' voters owe th' squire 
money, 
around here ef Dan does get beat. 

Sally. Oh, won't it? You jest tell Edith 

Abner. Well, et won't make much difference 
Hazelton that. 

Abner. Gee, I clean forgot Miss Edith. She's 
mighty sweet on Dan, ain't she? 

Sally. I guess et's a case o' six o' one an' half 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. ii 

a dozen o' th' other. But Dan ain't th' only one. 
Squire Evans is pretty stuck on her himself. 

Abner. Why, what chance has thet dried up ol' 
mummy got with Miss Edith? An' him with a 
grown-up daughter? An' especially after takin' all 
th' money her father got fer th' grist mill an' givin' 
him a lot o' worthless minin' stock an' drivin' th' ol' 
man t' drink? Why Rube Hazelton is gettin' t' be 
a regular sot. 

Sally. Well, I know all thet, but you jest look 
out fer ol' Squire Evans. When he wants anything 
he generally gits it, an' I wouldn't put him above 
doin' underhand tricks ef somethin' was in his way. 
(rises) — but this ain't gettin' th' chores done. 
(goes to pump) Ab, I think ye might git me a pail 
o' water. 

Abner. (rises) Sure — I might, (resumes his 
seat) 

Sally, (pumps) Now Ab, you carry this pail 
into th' house an' v/ipe them dishes or I'm goin' t' 
tell Mrs. Hazelton about th' novel. 

Abner. Aw, Sal. 

Sally, (ascends steps) Go on now or I'll tell. 
(exit in house) 

Abner. (rises, crosses r. picks up pail and turns 
tozvard steps) I don't know whether I'm doin' this 
fer love or because I'm skeered. Oh, well — (busi- 
ness of stumbling up steps with pail. Exits into 
house) 

(Enter Ezra, ivhistUng. Carries fish pole.) 

Ezra, (sits l. — on tree seat) Gee, but et's hot. 
(lays dozvn pole and mops forehead luith handker- 
chief) I wonder where Ab is. Probably layin' 
around some haystack studyin' a book on how t' be 
a detective. An' up t' Squire Evans' dam th' blue 
gills are bitin' like sixty. 



12 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

(Enter Abner from doorway. Wears gingham 
apron and is iviping plate with dishtowel.) 

Ezra, (continues. Gases at Abner) Well, of all 
things. 

Abner. (qitits wiping dish) Aw, cut et out, Ez. 
Et's hard enough t' have t' do this without gettin' 
joshed about et. 

Ezra, (laughs) But jest think of Abner Sher- 
lock Holmes Judkins th' noted detective havin' t' 
help wash dishes. Et's too durn good. 

Abner. Naw et ain't. Et's too durn bad. 

Ezra, (rises) Well, cut et out an' come on go 
fishin'. Hank Bodwell says th' blue gills are bitin' 
fine up t' Evans' dam. 

Abner. (looks into house. Business of looking 
around) Gee, if I only could, (hesitates a mo- 
ment, then takes off apron) By, gosh, I'm goin'. 
(descends steps) 

(Abner and Ezra start for gate and reach it.) 

Sally, (enters from house) Abner Judkins. 

Abner. (turns around) Aw what? 

Sally. I want t' know where yer goin' ? 

Abner. Fishin'. 

Sally. Of course you are 

Abner. (brightening up) Thet's nice of ye 

Sally. Not. 

Abner. An' why not? 

Sally. Because I ain't goin' t' let ye. Fm eoin' 

t' tell 

^ Abner. Tattle tale. But you jest wait 'till I git 
t' be a great detective an' I'll show a lot of folks 
around here somethin'. You jest wait. 

Sally. Well, I will ef I live long enough. 

Abner. (turns toivard house and approaches 
steps) Well, I s'pose I'll hev t' do et. 

Ezra, (goes out gate but turns and looks toward 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 13 

Ab) So long, Ab. I wouldn't care t' go with th' 
assistant hired girl anyway. 

(Abner makes for Ezra ivho drops fishpole and 
puts up his hands.) 

Abner. Nobody kin say anything like thet t' me 
an' git away with et. 

(Abner and Ezra scuffle dozvn to front and Abner 
falls backward into tub of water at pump. 
Ezra steps back and laughs and Abner pulls 
himself ruefully from tub. ) 

Abner. (blubbers) Now, look what ye done. 
{manages to keep face toward Sally to hide ivet 
seat of pants) 

Ezra, (laughs) Oh, well, a great detective hadn't 
ought t' mind a little thing like thet. 

Abner. (business of trying to hide wet pants from 
Sally) 

Sally, (laughs) Why, what's th' matter, Ab? 

(Abner runs up onto porch and grabs apron with 
ivhich he hides seat of pants.) 

Abner. (to Ezra) You jest wait, I'll git even 
with ye. 

Sally. Now Ab, you jest git into th' house an' 
I'll tend t' Ezra. 

(Abner exits into house.) 

Sally, (approaches Ezra) Now, Ezra, you git 
along t' yer fishin' an leave Ab alone. 

(Ezra picks up fishpole and exit through gate l.) 

Mrs. H. (enter through gate from l.) My, 



14 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

but et's hot. (fans self with handkerchief) Here 
I've been trampin' all over th' village lookin' fer 
Rube an' can't find him. Et seems as though every 
election day he gets drunker then the one before. 
(advances doivn stage. Sits on tree seat) I wonder 
where Edie can be. (looks about) 

Edith. (enters from house) Here I am, 
mother. Did you find father? 

Mrs. H. No, an' I looked all over th' village fer 
him, too. 

Edith, (takes seat on bench by churn) Mother, 
I'm worried about father. He's getting so he looks 
awfully bad. Why can't he stop drinking? , 

Mrs. H. (comes dozvn to Edith) Well, Edie, I 
don't know. Et seems t' me his brain's affected on 
account o' losin' all his money in a mine thet never 
yielded anything but red clay. Ef it hadn't been 
thet we've lived together fer forty years I wouldn't 
stand et fer a minute. 

Edith. But do you think Squire Evans treated 
father fairly in that mining deal ? You know at 
first he said he had put father's money into a mine 
that afterward turned out to be worth millions and 
then he said it was a mistake and that father's 
money was invested in a worthless piece of property 
in Montana. 

Mrs. H. But ye can't prove nuthin', Edie. Yer 
father got th' stock certificates, an' they turned out 
t' be worth jest th' value o' th' paper an' th' 
printer's ink used t' make 'em. But, Edie, I heard 
somethin up t' th' village thet might interest ye. 

Edith. What, mother? 

Mrs. H. Et's about Dan. 

Edith, (rises and appears frightened) Why, 
mother, I hope nothing has happened to Dan. Tell 
me, what is it? 

Mrs. H. (smiles) Oh, nothin' serious, except 
thet everybody says he has a mighty good chance t' 
be th' next prosecutin' attorney o' Bradford county. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 15 

An' I guess thet interests you, doesn't it? 

Edith, (hangs head) Oh, mother. 

Mrs. H. (places hand on Edith's head) Ye love 
Dan, don't ye, Edie? 

(Edith hides face with hands.) 

Mrs. H. (continues) Well, Edie, ye needn't be 
ashamed t' be in love with a good man, an' I don't 
know any better one in Bradford county. 

(Dan enters through gate, unseen by zvomen. He 
listens. ) 

Edith. Well, I'm not ashamed of it. Dan is the 
best man in the whole world, (rises) 

Dan. (advances) Well, I'm glad to hear such a 
good opinion of myself, especially from such a 
charming pair of lips. 

Edith, (turns toivard Dais:) Oh, Dan. (rushes 
tip steps and exits into house) 

Mrs. H. (laughing) Now look what ye went an' 
done, Dan Chamberlain. Scared Edie away. 

Dan. (comes doivn c. ) Well, she didn't need to 
be afraid of me. 

Mrs. H. (l. c. ) She wasn't afraid of ye, Dan, 
but a girl doesn't like t' hev her secrets known by th' 
person they concern most. But Dan, hov/'s election 
comin' ? 

Dan. To tell you the truth, Mrs. Hazelton, I'm 
not awfully sure of winning. You know Squire 
Evans has been political boss of this county for 
years and it's going to be a hard fight to shake him 
from his position. But I'm going to fight, Mrs. 
Hazelton, and I'm going to do my best to win. 

Mrs. H. Well, I'll tell ye what, Dan, if th' 
women could vote ye'd win in a walk, an' then you 
an' Edith 

Dan. Why, Mrs. Hazelton, how did you guess? 



i6 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Mrs. H. Well, I wasn't born blind an' I haven't 
met with any accident t' my eyes. Go in an' win 
her Dan. {crosses to steps) 

Dan (works churn a couple of times) But, Mrs. 
Hazelton, I haven't anything to offer her. I am poor 
as money goes. 

Mrs.- H. {comes back to c.) But Dan, people 
who marry for money don't marry fer love, (goes 
up steps) But I've got t' be gittin' into th' house t' 
see ef Sally has broke any more o' my Chinaware 
while I've been gone. I'll send Edie out t' ye, Dan. 
(laughs and exits into house) 

Dan. (sits on bench l.) I wonder if she really 
meant it. It seems too good to be true. 

Edith, (shyly enters from house) Hello, Dan. 

Dan. (smiles) Hello, Edith. 

Edith. Did you want to see me Dan? 

Dan. (rises and crosses to c. During speech 
crosses to tree seat and sits) Well, Edith, I must 
confess that I just dropped in to rest a moment, and 
I also must confess that I picked out this particular 
spot because I thought there might be more chance 
of seeing you than in any other spot. And now 
that I'm looking at you I want to tell you a little 
story that I've been keeping to myself for a long 
time. Won't you be seated? (indicates tree seat) 

(Edith seats self on steps.) 

Dan. (rises) Over here, (indicating tree seat 
again ) 

(Shy bus. F.or Edith. She finally crosses to tree 
seat and sits.) 

Dan. Edith, we've known each other a long time. 

Edith. Yes, Dan, 

Dan. Yes, Edith, ever since we were children 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 17 

and I carried your books home from school for you. 
And ever since that time I've been dreaming. 

Edith. Dreaming, Dan? 

Dan. Yes, dreaming. Dreaming of you. 

Edith. Of me? 

Dan. Yes. Sometimes I have dreamed I was a 
king. And you were my queen. But all my dreams 
have been pleasant ones, Edith, and every one of 
them has been of you. And I've wanted those 
dreams to come true. 

Edith. To come true? 

Dan. Yes, little girl, I've wanted you for ever 
so long. Now I'm after two things — the office of 
prosecuting attorney of Bradford county, and you; 
but of the two I want you the more. I love you, 
little girl. Will you be my wife? {stretches out 
arms to Edith) 

(Enter Grace from rear r. and comes through gate. 
Hears last sentence.) 

Edith, {rises and nestles into Dan's arms. 
Kisses Dan) Yes, Dan. {hides face on Dan's 
shoulder) 

(Grace approaches dozvn c. and is noticed by 
Edith, zvho breaks away from Dan.) 

(Edith goes r. c. ) 

Grace, (c. ) I hope I've not intruded. 

Dan. {down) Not at all. You're just in time 
to be the first to hear the good news. 

Grace. What good news? 

Dan. I think I can tell it best by means of an 
introduction, {crosses to R. c.) 

(Edith hangs head and turns away. Dan clasps 
her by hand.) 



i8 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Dan. Miss Evans, allow me to present to you 
Miss Edith Hazelton, who has promised to become 
Mrs. Dan Chamberlain. 

Grace, {coldly) Well, I'm sure I congratulate 
both of you. And now that this sentimental little 
scene is over, can you tell me if father is here? 

Edith. Why no. We haven't seen anything of 
him all day. Isn't he down at the court house 
watching the election? 

Grace, (crosses down l.) No. He and Mr. 
Gregory, his bookkeeper, started for the mill a short 
time ago, and I thought they might have stopped in. 

Dan. {crosses up to gate) Well, I must be 
going now. Having won one prize to-day I must 
now look out for another. I'm sorry, Miss Evans, 
that it is your father who must suffer, but I'm going 
to do my very best to become prosecuting attorney 
of this county. 

Grace. It has been said that all's fair in love 
and war, and I'm sure it must be the same in 
politics. And if it isn't treason to my own kin I 
will say I wish you success. 

Dan. {comes doivn) Thank you. Miss Evans. 
Such words of cheer coming from the camp of a 
rival should make any man ashamed to lose. But I 
must be going, {takes Edith's hand) Good-bye, 
Edith. I hope to see you again to-night as the 
prosecuting attorney-elect. {drops Edith's hand 
and turns to leave, bozvs to Grace) Good-bye, Miss 
Evans, {exit through gate R. ) 

Grace, {turns to Edith with expression of hate. 
Crosses to r. c.) Edith Hazelton, I hate you. 

EdiTh. {shrinks hack in affright) Why, Grace — 

Grace. Oh, there's no use mincing matters. 
You've robbed me of Dan Chamberlain, the man I 
love. Oh, I could see it coming. When you were 
nothing but a schoolgirl you set your cap for him, 
and ever since that time you've been trying to 
capture him. And now with the aid of your doll 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 19 

face and your tricks you've done it. But you 
shan't have him. You shan't I say. Before I'd let 
you marry Dan Chamberlain I'd kill both of you. 
(crosses down l. ) 

Abner. (enters from h6,nse in time to hear last 
part of Grace's speech. Abner wears apron and is 
zviping dish) Good-night. This is no place for a 
detective, (makes noise. Hurried exit through 
doorivay) 

Grace, (turns to c. ) Why, what was that? 

Edith. Oh, only Abner. But Grace, you really 
don't hate me. Please Grace, (holds out arms) 
Tell me you didn't mean what you said. 

Grace, (sneeringly) Oh, I don't know whether 
I did or not. But when a girl sets her heart on 
anything and then is robbed of it by someone no 
better than herself, Vv'OuM it be anything out of the 
ordinary if she shou'd lose her temper? (goes up 
to gate. Controls anger by effort. Turns to Edith) 
But maybe I shouldn't have become so angry. I'm 
sorry, Edith. Good-bye. (turns suddenly and 
passes through gate. Exit l. ) 

Edith, (resumes tree seat) Poor girl. I'm sure 
she didn't mean what she said. But I suppose I 
would have felt almost as badly if Dan had chosen 
her instead of me. But it makes me unhappy, and 
on the day which seemed to me but a moment ago 
the happiest in my whole life. 

Abner. (peeks through doorway) Is the war 
over ? 

Edith. What war? 

Abner. (comes out on porch) Why, the one be- 
tween you an' Grace Evans. 

Edith. Oh, Abner, you mustn't say that. There 
simply was a misunderstanding between Grace, 
and I. 

Abner. But I heard her threaten to kill you an' 
Dan Chamberlain, and when anybody threatens to 
kill anybody else it's time fer th' International 



20 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Detectives' bureau t' be on th' job. {polishes badge 
with bandanna handkerchief) 

Edith. Well, Abner, I think you would better 
save your talent to catch a real murderer. Ab, what 
would you do if you were face to face with a real 
murderer? 

Abner. (szvells out chest) Miss Edith, if 1 met 
a real murderer I'd jest go right up t' him an' grab 
him by th' collar an' shove one o' these in his ribs. 
(opens coat and draws horsepistol from belt) 
Members o' th' International Detectives' bureau are 
never cowards. Why, with one o' these in my hands 
I wouldn't be afraid of anybody on earth 

Sally, {enters from house) Ab. 

Abner. {attempts to replace revolver but drops 
it) Aw, what? 

Sally, {descends steps and picks up pistol) 
Well, fer th' Ian' sakes, Ab, what are ye doin'? 
Playin' Civil war? 

Abner. Certainly not. Don't all detectives carry 
revolvers ? 

Sally. Sure, but there ain't been a detective in 
Jhis town fer six years — Not since th' post-office 
was robbed. 

Abner {swells tip chest and polishes badge with 
handkerchief) There hasn't? What's th' matter 
with me? 

Sally. I give et up. 

Abner. Aw, Sal. 

Edith. I think I will leave you two to fight it 
out. {approaches house. Turns to Ab) Have 
courage, Ab. Remember, a member of the Interna- 
tional Detectives' bureau never dodges danger. 
{exit into house) 

Sally. Now Ab, I'll give ye yer horsepistol, an' 
I want ye t' take et back t' th' second-hand store 
where ye got et. You wasn't cut out fer a detective. 
{hands pistol to Abner) 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 21 

Abner. (reluctantly) Well, ef ye say so, Sal, 
I s'pose 

Sally. Ye needn't do any s'posin'. You jest 
take et back. Yer too young t' play with dangerous 
weapons like thet. Ye might git hurt. 

Abner. Would ye care, Sal? 

Sally. Of course I'd care. 

Abner. Aw, Sal. (bashful bus.) 

Sally. I'd care if anybody got hurt. 

Abner. (disgustedly) Thet's right. Ye never 
give me any encouragement. A feller never gits a 
chance 

Sally. Well, you'll hev a chance. 

Abner. (brightens up) D'ye mean et, Sal? 

Sally. Sure. Ye'll hev a chance t' go t' th' 
hospital ef ye don't quit fooling with thet Revolu- 
tionary war relic. Now you take et into th' house 
an' put et away. 

Abner. (approaches house, then turns to Sally) 
I'll put et up, Sal, but you stay out here. I got 
somethin' I want t' say t' ye, (exit into house) 

Sally, (crosses to bench by churn and takes seat) 
Jest as if I didn't know why he wanted me t' wait. 
He's goin' t' take another peek in thet book he's 
got on how t' make love. I beared him recitin' some 
of et th' other day when he didn't know I was 
listenin*. Why, he'd be a scream in a vaudeville 
show. No man ever wins my heart by makin' love 
th' way he studied et in a ten cent book. I'll fix 
him. (Abner enters from house) 

Sally, (smooths out skirts) Well, what did ye 
want t' say, Ab? Hev ye got a clew t' th' feller 
thet's been stealin' our chickens? 

Abner. (descends steps and crosses to Sally) 
Better then thet, Sal. I've got somethin' serious t' 
say t' ye. 

Sally. What's th' matter ? Ye ain't sick, be ye ? 

Abner. Not exactly. But I've got an empty 
feelin here, (places hand upon heart) 



22 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sally. Never mind, Ab, supper is ready an' all 
we're waitin' fer is Mister Hazelton. 

Abner. Now Sal, you jest give me a chance t' 
say what I want to. Et ain't hunger thet's botherin' 
me. 

Sally. No ? Well, go ahead then. What air ye 
waitin' fer? 

Abner. {gets dozvn on knees) Sally, I'm in love. 
Beautiful girl, since first we met ye hev held first 
position in my heart. Ye air th' apple of my eye 

Sally. What kind of an apple, Ab ? 

Abner. Russet apple — Now Sal, stop yer 
jokin'. 

Sally. Well, go ahead. Apple of my eye. 
What next? 

Abner. You air th' apple of my eye. When first 
I saw you, your beautiful face and yer charmin' 
manner won my heart. Ye hev been with me in my 
dreams. Wakin' er sleepin' 

Sally. Mostly sleepin' 

Abner. Mostly sleepin' — No, not mostly sleep- 
in'. Now you look here Sal, you git me all rattled. 
Will you keep still a minute an' let me finish thi*? 

Sally. Yes, you poor boy. Go ahead. 

Abner. Ye air with me in my wakin' an' sleepin' 
hours. I dream of your — your — your 

Sally. Of what? 

Abner. Of your — jest a minute, (pulls book 
from hip pocket and lays it on floor behind him. 
Turns around and reads) — of your — your time 
hes come. Frog Faced Leary and now you die. And 
the next moment Daredevil Dan was in conflict with 
the renegade an' his band o' redskins. 

Sally, (rises. Speaks angrily) Well, ef thet's 
th' way ye make love, you've got a sense of humor 
thet should land you th' prize job on th' Under- 
takers' Weekly. Good-night, (marches scornfully 
into the house) 

Abner. (rises. Picks up book. Takes seat on 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 23 

steps. Looks at book. Reads) Daredevil Dan In 
Wyoming, or the Renegade's Revenge, (speaks) 
Durned ef I didn't git th' wrong book, (collapses) 

Sally, (enters from house. Throws book at 
Abner) There's th' other book, Ab. 

Aener. (rises and picks up book. Places it in 
pocket) Well, I've gone an' spoiled et all. I guess 
th' feller who wrote thet novel wasn't thinkin' of 
makin' love t' women. Now Jim Hewitt says when 
a feller feels blue a good smoke'll generally fix him 
up all right, (looks about) I'm goin' t' see ef et 
works, (pulls cigar from pocket and looks at it) 
Jim said this was a good cigar. Well — (seats self 
on bench and lights cigar. Business of smoking and 
getting sick Ad. Lib. ) The barn is a good place to 
die. Farewell, (exit into barn) 

Ruben, (enters from l. Passes through gate. 
Evidently slightly intoxicated. Walks to bench. 
Sits dozvn. Places head on hands) Down an' out. 
Thet's what he said. An' him only a cheap bartender 
thet I wouMn't hev looked at two years ago. An' he 
told me I'm down an' out. 

Mrs. H. (enters from house) So, there ye 
are. (descends steps and crosses to Ruben) An' 
where hev ye been all day ? Oh, ye needn't answer. 
One look at ye tells th' whole story. 

Ruben. Oh, Martha, don't. 

Mrs. H. Well, I'm goin' t' jest th' same. Here 
I've been huntin' fer ye all afternoon an' couldn't 
find ye., (changes tone) Ruben, why do ye do et? 
Ye used t' be so good an' kind before ye lost yer 
money in minin' stock. Me an' Edie ain't ashamed 
of ye. Rube, jest because ye ain't so well off as ye 
used t' be. Why don't ye quit. Rube? 

Ruben. Ye don't know what yer askin', Martha. 
I can't do et. Since th' squire cheated me out o' th' 
proceeds o' th' grist mill, et seems as if all th' 
trouble in th' whole world is loaded onto my 



24 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

shoulders, an' th' burden is too big t' carry without 
help. 

Mrs. H. Well, now, Rube, let me tell ye some- 
thin'. Dan Chamberlain is in love with Edie an' I 
shouldn't be surprised ef them two would git 
married right away ef Dan is elected prosecutor. 

Ruben. Well, I haven't any objection thet I 
know of. Dan is a good boy an' would make a son- 
in-law thet any man might be proud of. 

Mrs. H. Ye bet he would, but would you, Rube 
Hazelton, make a father-in-law of which such a son- 
in-law could be proud? Tell me thet. 

Ruben, (shakes his head) Oh, I don't know. 
Why do ye torture me, Martha? Can't ye see I 
suffer enough from th' shame an' disgrace without 
havin' my wife turned against me, too? I've tried 
t' let liquor alone, but when I do I can feel it 
beckonin' t' me from every direction. 

Mrs. H, But supper is ready. We've been wait- 
in' fer ye. 

Ruben. I don't want any supper. When ye go 
in send Edie out. She's th' best comforter I've got. 

Mrs. H. All right, (m softer tone) But ye 
better come in t' supper. Rube. I'm rather sorry I 
spoke t' ye so harsh, but cheer up. (pats him on 
shoulder) Every cloud has a silver linin' an' 
things may come out some day jest th' way we 
would want 'em to. (turns and starts toward 
house) But I'll send Edie out t' ye. Next t' th' 
liquor she has th' most influence over ye. (exits 
into house) 

Ruben. I guess she's right. Liquor hez got th' 
most influence over me. But et's my very life blood. 
I can't git along without et. Ef I quit it I'll die 
without it an' if I don't quit it th' stuff will kill me. 
There's no choice, (shakes head sadly) 

Edith, (enters from house. Walks to side of 
father and kneels) Why, daddy, what's the matter? 

Ruben, (places hand on Edith's head and strokes 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 25 

her hair) I was jest thinkin' Edie. I guess th' blue 
devils has gof me. An' Edie yer th' only one that 
kin drive 'em away. 

Edith. Oh, father, if you only could let the 
drink alone there wouldn't be any blue devils. 

Ruben, (clasps hands between knees and looks 
dozvn) Thet's jest it, Edie. Et's easy enough t' say 
let et alone, but et's a mighty sight harder t' follow 
advice then t' give it. Edie, girl — {places hand on 
her head again) — when I haven't got th' drink in 
me I feel dead an' cold. Et puts fire into my brain, 
Edie. Et tells my brain t' do things. But oh, what's 
th' use? {places hands in pockets and looks azvay 
from Edith) We've talked et over erough an' 
nothin' has come of et. I hold Squire Evans re- 
sponsible. Before I lost my money I wouldn't touch 
th' stuff. Now I can't leave et alone, {rises and 
starts toward gate) 

Edith, {rises) Why, father, where are you 
going? 

Ruben. Jest down street, Edie. 

Edith. Please don't go, father, for I know you'll 
go to the saloon, {holds out arms) Won't you 
promise mc not to go? Please, please, father. I 
know it's a hard fight, but you can win if you try. 

Ruben, {turns to Edith) Well, Edie, ye've 
made me change my mind. I'm goin' down street. 
A man never won th' battle by shunnin' th' enemy. 
I'm goin' t' seek out th' enemy an' I'm goin' t' win, 

Edith, {starts toward him) Oh, father, I'm so 
glad to hear you say such things. 

Ruben. An' I mean every word of et, too. 

Edith, {holds out hand impulsively) Go, father, 
and my prayers go with you. 

Ruben, {clasps Edith's hand) I'm going, 
daughter, but with God's help, {raises arm as if 
taking oath) I'll come home sober, ((/ro/'.y Edith's 
hand and makes hurried exit through gate and 

off L.) 



26 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Edith, (stands with arms on gatepost gazing in 
direction taken by Ruben) Oh, 1 do hope he can 
keep his word. It would seem just Hke the old 
days when he was so good to us. Oh, I hope Dan 
will win. 

• Squire, (enters r. ) Young lady, you're wishin' 
fer th' impossible. 

Edith, (turns quickly. Goes dozvn r. c.) Why, 
squire, I didn't know you were near or perhaps I 
v/ouldn't have poken so loudly. 

Squire, (down l. c.) Oh, thet's all right. Jest 
keep on wishin' as much as ye like. I don't believe 
et will do Dan any good. I'm goin' t' succeed my- 
self as prosecutin' attorney. 

Edith. But squire, you've already held the office 
four terms. Don't you think it would be the right 
thing to turn it over to a younger man ? 

Squire. No, I can't say as I do. Et isn't younger 
blood thet's needed in public office. Et's experience. 
Of course Dan is pretty good fer a young lawyer, 
but he doeBn't understand th' ways o' politics an' I'm 
afraid he hasn't got a chance. 

Edith, (turns as if to go into house) Well, 
squire, supper is waiting. Will you join us? 
(zvalks toward house) 

Squire. No, Edie, I jest stopped in t' rest fer a 
minute. My heart has been botherin' me a great 
deal lately an' th' exertion o' electioneerin' has nigh 
tuckered me out. I'll jest sit down here, ef ye don't 
mind, (takes tree seat) 

Edith. I hope you'll be better soon, but I must 

Squire. Don't go, Edie. I've got somethin' I 
want t' tell ye. 

Edith, (seats self on steps) Well. 

Squire, (pokes at ground with cane Looks 
down) Now Edie, I ain't as young as I used t' be, 
but I'm not so old as I might be, either, and some- 
times I seem t' feel like a youth again. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 2^ 

Edith. But what has that to do with me, Squire ? 

Squire, (looks up) I'm jest comin' t' thet. I 
ain't in th' habit o' wastin' words an' I ain't goin' t' 
begin now. I've got a business proposition t' make 
t' ye. 

Edith. Well. 

Squire, (rises) Edie, I want ye t' be my wife. 

Edith, (rises) What? Why, squire, you must 
be joking. You are old enough to be my father. 

Squire. But not old enough, Edie, t' forgit thet 
I'm alive an' that I ain't ready t' give up all o' 
life's pleasures an' ambitions. Now, Edie, your 
folks haven't got much. Ye don't have fine clothes 
like ye ought t' have. When ye go anywhere ye 
have t' walk because yer father can't afford t' keep a 
carriage. Ye'd like t' travel, but ye can't. Ye sigh 
fer all th' pretty things thet make a girl's life happy, 
but ye know they're out o' yer reach. Now, I've got 
plenty o' money. I probably won't live an awful 
long time. I've got a fine home but et seems empty 
without a wife. Dan Chamberlain can't provide you 
with a fine home, a carriage, servants, an' take ye on 
furrin' trips. I can 

Edith, (stepping toward squire) Squire, you 
must stop. Why, you should be ashamed of your- 
self. You drove one wife to the grave with your 
stinginess and now you ask me to take her place. 
I've promised to marry Dan Chamberlain because I 
love him. I couldn't love you if you were to bring 
me the wealth of Monte Cristo. I've lived in this 
village too long not to know you for what you are : 
A keen, hard, grasping business man whose love for 
gold would outweigh the love for a wife. I have 
chosen to give all my love to one man, and that man 
is not you. Squire Evans. 

Squire. Well, maybe ye'U change yer mind. 
When I set my heart on anything I generally git it. 
1 want you an' maybe before I git through with ye 



28 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

ye'll beg me t' grant ye what I now offer of my own 
free will. 

Edith. I don't think that time ever will come, 
Squire Evans. I'm sure I would rather go without 
than ever ask you for anything. Now that you have 
my decision — I must be going? You'll pardon — ■ 
(turns tozvai'd house again) — me for leaving you, 
but I'm sure you have too much gallantry to make 
love to a woman who is promised to another. 
(exit Edith into house r. ) 

Squire, (sits on bench l. ) So she's accepted 
Dan Chamberlain. Well, I suspected all along thet 
she would. But they ain't married yet, an' there's 
many a slip between th' cup an' th' lip. Maybe 
there'll be a slip somewhere in this case. 

Abner. (enters from barn l. Holds stomach. 
Crosses to R. c. ) Somebody has said thet sleep is a 
cousin t' death, but I'll bet thet smokin' a good 
cigar is th' twin brother to et. Oh, but wait 'till I 
git hold o' Jim Hewitt, (sees squire) Why, hallo, 
squire. 

Squire. What's thet, ye young scamp ? Don't ye 
know enough t' say " Mister " when yer speakin' 
t' me? 

Abner. Say, squire, I don't recognize any o' th' 
social formalities. That cigar knocked 'em all out o' 
me. 

Squire. Cigar? What cigar? Well, ef thet ain't 
th' biggest joke, (laughs) 

Abner. Thet's right. Go ahead an' laugh. A 
feller thet's stingy enough t' smoke a corncob pipe 
don't know what et is t' git sick on a good cigar. 

Sally, (enters from house) Oh, there ye are. 

Abner. Yep. Here I be. 

Sally. I've been lookin' all over fer ye. Supper 
is almost over. 

Abner. Supper, (places hand to stomach and 
groans) Oh, Lord. 

Sally. Yes, supper. We've got some of the 
nicest beef stew with th' grease 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 29 

Abner. (gulps) Oh, Sally, oh, please. 

Sally, (descends steps) Well, what on earth is 
th' matter with ye? 

Squire. Abner has been enjoying a good cigar. 

Sally, (turns to squire) Why, howdy do, Squire 
Evans. I didn't see ye in th' dusk. Cigar? (turns 
to Abner) Well, Ab, of all th' fool things ye ever 
did. You jest come into th' house an' I'll give ye 
some soda t' settle yer stomach. Come on, now. 
(exit Sally into house) 

Abner. (groans and exit into house) 

Squire. Ef I only could find some way t' break 
et off. Ef I could only git her t' believe he wasn't 
true t' her. I wish I could find some way t' 

Grace. (enter from r. passes through gate. 
Approaches Squire in time to hear last sentence) 
To what, father? 

Squire. T' beat Dan Chamberlain. 

Grace, (comes down c. ) But you are to be 
prosecuting attorney, aren't you? 

Squire. Oh, it ain't politics, but love thet's 
botherin' me. 

Grace. What ? You in love ? With whom ? 

Squire. I didn't intend t' tell ye, Gracie, but I 
s'pose I might as well. I've baen proposin' t' Edie. 

Grace. Well, you certainly have a nerve for a 
man of your age. 

Squire. But why shouldn't I love her? Why 
shouldn't I possess her? She wants fine clothes an' 
a fine home. I can give 'em to her. 

Grace, (thinks a moment. Aside) The very 
thing, (crosses to Squire. Aloud) What did she 
say? 

Squire. She said she's goin' t' marry Dan 
Chamberlain. 

Grace. Yes, and I hate her. 

Squire. Oh, so thet's th' way th' wind blows. 

Grace, (crosses r. ) Yes it is if you want to 
know it. And if we work together we may both be 



-30 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

able to achieve our objects. I've been thinking 
matters over and I have a plan. 

Squire, {crosses to l. c.) What is et? 

Grace, (crosses back to r. c. ) Well, you be here 
when Dan Chamberlain comes again and I'll show 
you. But I must go now. (crosses up c.) Edith 
and I quarreled about it this afternoon and I couldn't 
face her now and keep my hands off her. (exit 
Grace through gate l. ) 

Squire, (crosses down l.) I hope whatever her 
plan is it works. If et succeeds as well as th' plan I 
worked t' git Rube Hazelton's money et'll be all 
right. If anyone ever gits into thet safe o' mine — 
Oh, well, what's th' use o' worryin'? Nothin' like 
thet kin happen. 

Edith, (enter from house) Why, squire, not 
gone yet? 

Squire, (crosses to c.) No, I've been thinkin'. 
I want ye t' change yer mind, Edie, about what ye 
said awhile ago. 

Edith. That's something I never will do. 

Squire. Well, maybe ye will when ye know cer- 
tain things. 

Edith, (descends steps) What things, Squire 
Evans? Explain yourself. 

Squire. Well, I ain't goin' t' do any explainin' 
jest now. 

Edith. Squire Evans I want to know what you 
mean. 

Squire. Well, maybe I ain't tellin' all I know. 
But one thing I know, an' thet is thet I'm in love 
with ye. (rises) An' I'm goin' t' hev ye, too. 

Edith, (draws back) Squire, you forget your- 
self. 

Squire, (advances) I forgit everything except 
thet I want ye 

Edith, (turns toward house) I'll not stay to hear 
any more of such talk, (goes r.) 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 31 

{Squire grasps her hand.) 

{Enter Ruben from l. in rear. Ruben is intoxi- 
cated. ) 

Edith. Squire Evans, I demand that you release 
me at once. 

Squire. Well, I guess not. 

Ruben, {approaches them) Well, I guess yes. 
{grasps squire by shoulder and hurls him dozvn l. ) 

Squire, {rises and brushes himself) Ye'll pay 
fer thet, Rube Hazelton. Yer drunk. 

Ruben. Maybe I am drunk, but not too drunk t' 
git th' best of a crook an' scoundrel like you. 

(Edith stands at r. c. with clasped hands.) 

Squire, {up to c. ) Crook? Scoundrel? Why, 
what d'ye mean ? 

Ruben. Jest what I said. Ye robbed me o' my 
money an' now yer even enterin' my dooryard an' 
insultin' my daughter. 

Squire. Et's th' liquor in ye thet makes ye say 
such things. When yer sober ye'll know better. 

Ruben. Yes, maybe et is th' liquor. But who's 
responsible? Who drove me t' drink? You, with 
yer schemes fer gittin' rich quick. You, with yer 
smooth talk about th' wealth in mines, {louder) 
When I think of et — {advances upon Squire) I 
want t' kill ye. T' kill ye, d'ye hear? Right now my 
brain burns as if it is on fire. My veins are filled 
with burnin' brimstone straight from hell, {louder) 
I want t' kill ye, an' by heaven I'm goin' t' do et. 

Edith, {steps in betzveen them and places arms 
about Ruben's neck) Father, father, Oh 

(Ruben disengages Edith's arms and throws her 
down r. Squire attempts to run into barn l., 
but trips over wood and falls.) 



32 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Ruben. {follows Squire and grasps axe) 
Pray, you cur, fer yer time has come. 

Edith, {^rushing toward gate) Help! Help! 
Oh, will no one help ? 

Dan. {enters from l., passes through gate and 
grasps axe as it is about to fall) For heaven's 
sake, Rube, what does this mean? 

Ruben, {wipes forehead with coat sleeve) I 
don't know. I must hev been crazy. But when th' 
drink is in a man reason is out. {staggers toward 
gate) Yer all against me. Et's comfort I want. 
I want liquor, th' cure fer all trouble, {lunges 
through gate) My brain is burnin' up. I kin see 
blood an' I want t' kill. T' kill, {exit l. with axe) 

Edith. Oh, Dan, I'm afraid. 

Dan. Don't be afraid, little girl, {extends arms 
and embraces Edith. To Squire) You can get 
up now, Squire. 

Squire, {rises and brushes clothes) Well, I 
guess I'd better be gittin' on. One experience like 
thet is plenty. 

Dan. Oh, by the way. Squire, there's a light in 
the mill ofifice. I noticed it as I passed. 

Squire. Yes, Gregory said he was goin' t' work 
on th' books to-night. 

Dan. But I should think he would be rather 
afraid to work up there on the river bank where 
tramps are likely to happen along at any time. 

Squire. Oh, he ain't afraid. Gregory is a brave 
man an' he's jest as valuable as he is brave, {starts 
for gate) " But I guess I'll be gittin' on. 

Edith, {leaves Dan's embrace) I'm sorry for 
what happened. Squire. 

Squire, {passes through gate. Turns l.) Oh, 
thet's all right. Rube was drunk or he wouldn't hev 
done et. Good-night. 

Dan. Good-night, Squire. I'll be up to the 
courthouse in a short time to hear the election re- 
turns. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 33 

Squire. Well, ye might as well stay away fer 
all th' good they'll do ye. 

Dan. Let me tell you, Squire Evans, if the count 
is honest you'll have the hardest time getting elected 
you ever had in your life. 

Squire. {approaches gate and stands in it) 
Thet don't bother me at all. Et ain't afraid o' get- 
tin' defeated thet worries me, but of what Rube 
Hazelton may do. But I've got a revolver right 
here in my hip pocket thet says he won't do nothin' 
t' me. Good-night, {exits l. ) 

Edith, {takes Dan's arm and two walk toward 
steps). Oh, I'm so sorry, Dan. 

Dan. Don't worry, little girl. Your father's tem- 
per will soon leave him and the squire wouldn't dare 
fire a revolver for fear of shooting himself. 

Edith. But, Dan, suppose they should meet. 

Dan. They aren't going to meet. Now, you go 
into the house and I'll go down street and see if I 
can find your father. Maybe I can persuade him to 
come home peaceably. 

Edith, {ascends steps clasps hands and faces 
Dan) Oh, I hope you can. Hurry, won't you, 
Dan? {turjts to door and is about to exit) 

Dan. Edith, aren't you forgetting something? 

Edith, {turns toward Dan) What? {pause) 
Oh, Dan. {descends steps quickly. Rushes up to 
Dan and kisses him. Turns quickly and rushes into 
house ) 

Dan. {walks to gate and stands in it. Faces 
audience) I wonder if ever another man was so 
fortunate as I am at the present moment? Dan 
Chamberlain, you certainly are a lucky fellow. 

Grace, {enters l. u. e. Greatly agitated) Oh, 
Dan. 

Dan. {turns suddenly l.) What is it, Grace? 

Grace, {staggers tozvard him) Help me, Dan. 
I believe I've sprained my ankle. 

Dan. {places arm about Grace's shoulders and 



34 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

helps her to tree seat L. Then goes r.) I hope it's 
nothing serious, Grace. 

Grace. But I'm afraid it is. I was walking up 
the river bank when I saw Mr. Hazelton and he 
was drunk and I ran. I tripped over a tree root 
and fell. 

(Dan crosses to Grace. Stands by her. Then 
bends over her.) 

(Edith enters from house. Stands on porch and 
gazes at Dan and Grace.) 

Grace, {sees Edith. Aside) Here's my chance. 
(throzvs arms about Dan's neck and kisses him) 

Edith, {places hand to heart and staggers into 
house) 

Dan. {disengages Grace's arms and starts back) 
Why, Miss Evans, what is the meaning of this ? 

Grace, {hysterically) Oh, I don't know, Dan. 
I must have been crazy. But I'm so frightened. 
Mr, Hazelton seemed so terrible. Oh, Dan, forgive 
me. 

Dan. Never mind. There's no great harm done. 
But come. I will assist you to your home, {places 
arm about Grace's shoulders. Both zvalk through 
gate l. ) 

(Edith enters from house and sees Grace and 

Dan leaving. Descends steps and walks to 

gate. Places arms upon gatepost and buries 

face in arms.) 

Sally, {enters from house) Why what's th' 

matter, Miss Edie? {walks to Edith and places 

hand upon her shoulder) Why, Miss Edie, yer 

cryin'. What's th' matter? 

Edith, {arouses herself by an effort and brushes 

handkerchief across her eyes) Nothing, Sally. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 35 

Sally. Yes, there is, Miss Edie. Girls don't cry 
fer nothin'. Hev you an' Dan been scrappin'? 

Edith. Oh, Sally, don't. 

Sally. Now, Miss Edie, you jest come right 
into th' house, {takes Edith's hand and leads her 
down R. ) An' hev a good cry, an' ye'Il feel a heap 
sight better. In th' meantime ye kin read , Ab's 
book on how t' make love, {exit Sally and Epith 
into house) 

{Red light is burned off stage l. ) 

Squire, {enters hurriedly l. u. e. Greatly 
agitated. Looks around furtively as if afraid he is 
followed. Holds hand to heart and staggers to 
bench by churn l. ) Excitement will be .th' death 
o' me yet. With Dan Chamberlain elected prose- 
cutor by a comfortable majority and Edie prom- 
isisin' t' be his wife, I don't know of any more dis- 
appointments thet could come right now. Oh — 
{places hand to heart again) 

{Church bell rings.) 

{Cries of "fire, fire" off stage l.) 

Dan. {enters right, passes through gate, comes 
down L.) Squire it's the mill. It's burning. I've 
been looking everywhere for you. 

{Enter Mrs. H. and Edith from house.) 

Mrs. H. {partly descends steps) Dan. Squire. 
What is it? Where's th' fire? 

Dan. {crosses to r. c.) It's the squire's mill 
Mrs. Hazelton, and I'm afraid it can't be saved. 

{Cries of fire, fire, off stage l.) 

Abner. (enters from house) Gee, a fire. I'm 
goin'. {starts on run for gate) 



36 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sally, (enters from house) Abner Judkins. 

Abner. (turns) Aw, what? 

Sally. Wait fer me. (runs to Ab, takes his 
hand and both exit through gate and to l.) 

Mrs. H. But why ain't ye t' th' fire, Dan ? 

Dan. Because I've news that can't wait. Mrs. 
Hazelton. Edith. I've been elected. 

Squire. Let me congratulate ye. 

(Sounds of muttering heard off stage l.) 

Mrs. H. Why what is tliet^ (runs to gate and 
looks L. ) Why, et's Sheriff Higgins an' he's got a 
prisoner. 

Edith. (descends steps) Why, who is it, 
mother ? 

Mrs. H. I can't see. Yes, I can. My God, et's 
Rube, (staggers down stage a few steps) 

Edith, {rushes to gate. Places arms about 
mother) 

Dan. (crosses to l. c.) 

(Sheriff and Abner enter. Sheriff takes posi- 
tion just inside gate. Dan crosses r. c. 
Squire rises and stands by bench r.) 

Dan. What's the trouble sheriff ? I thought you 
knew better than to arrest Rube Hazelton for being 
drunk. 

Sheriff, (advances c. zvith Rube) Drunk, did 
ye say ? Drunk ? Et's worse then thet. 

Dan. Worse than that? For heaven's sake 
sheriff, speak. What is it? 

Sheriff. Murder. 

Mrs. H. (r. c.) Murder? Sheriff say ye lie. 
Ruben, tell him he's a liar. Oh, Dan. 

Ruben, (hangs head. Straightens up and ex- 
tends arms) I ain't guilty. Oh, Martha, Edie, I 
tell ye I didn't do et. Dan. Don't stand there an' 
look at me like thet. I tell ye I didn't do et. I 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 37 

Edith. Oh, sheriff, what are you saying? Who 
has been murdered? 

Sheriff. George Gregory, bookkeeper at th' 
mill. We found him dead in th' mill office with his 
skull crushed in with a hatchet. When we got there 
Rube was jest leavin' with th' blood-stained hatchet 
in his hand. He was yellin' " blood, blood," an' th' 
mill office was saturated with kerosene oil. Rube 
Hazelton killed George Gregory durin' a drunken 
frenzy an' then set fire t' th' mill t' cover up his 
crime. 

Edith, {down r. Holds out arms) Oh, father, 
father. 

Ruben, (goes right. Falls into Edith's arms) 
I ain't guilty. 

Squire, But who kin prove et? 

Ezra, {enters l. u. e. Running, passes through 
gate and down c. ) I kin. Yes, I kin. I went 
fishin' down by th' mill this afternoon an' fell asleep 
right under th' office window. I was woke by a 
scuffle an' th' man who killed George Gregory 
is 

(Squire shoots. Ezra quietly collapses.) 

Dan. {rushes to side of Ezra and kneels) 
Squire Evans, if that boy is dead you'll swing for it, 
just as sure as I'm the new prosecuting attorney oft 
Bradford county. 



CURTAIN. 



First Curtain. 
Ruben — (i) 
Edith — (2) 
Mrs. H.— (3) 
Sheriff — (7) 
Ezra— (8) 
Dan — (9) 
Squire — (10) 



38 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Second Curtain 

Sheriff and Rube at Gate 

Grace and Squire off 

Mrs. H. at Door sobbing 

Dan (c. ), arms toward Edith 

Edith at Steps 

Sally and Abner off. 



Setting Act 2. 

A — Wardrobe with top loose 

B— Table 

C — Roll-top desk 

D— Hall rack 

E — Doors 

EX — Barred door 

F^ — Rack with keys 

G — Barred window 

H— Map 

I — Chair 



ACT H. 



(Sheriff is discovered at desk smoking and read- 
ing newspaper.') 

Sheriff, (throzvs paper upon desk) Some 
editors hevn't got any more regard fer th' libel laws 
then some folks hev fer th' ten commandments. 
Accordin' t' th' Bugle's report Rube Hazelton is as 
good as hanged. But I guess th' editor ain't takin' 
so many chances after all. Rube's ready t' confess 
right now an' there ain't one chance in a million fer 
him t' escape th' gallows, (rises and looks around) 
Whew. Gosh, what a smell, (goes to chair and 
picks up coat) Whew, (carries coat to zvardrobe. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 39 

Holds nose with one hand and holds coat extended 
at arm's length with other) Th' next time I go 
huntin' skunks in th' cellar I'll wear a rubber over- 
coat. Whew, {places coat in zvardrobe) There, 
thet's out o' th' way. But Oh, Lord what a smell. 
Et's a darn good thing th' winders air open. 

(Abner enters through door r. and advances 
down c.) 

Sheriff. Hello, Ab, what are ye all dressed up 
fer? 

Abner. Aw, darn et, et's Sally's fault. I either 
got t' wear my Sunday best er go naked. 

Sheriff. Sally's fault? Why how's thet? 

Abner. Well, ye see, Ezra an' I got into a little 
scuffle on th' day o' th' murder an' I went swimmin' 
in a tub o' water. Sally promised t' press my pants 
an' got t' thinkin' o' somethin' else an' left a hot 
flatiron standin' on th' seat of 'em. Thet spelled 
farewell t' my second best. 

Sheriff, (laughs) Thet's bad. But what did ye 
do t' git even with Sally? 

Abner. Nuthin'. Why I could forgive thet girl 
anything. 

Sheriff. Oh. {takes seat at desk) 

AcNER. Yes, an' when Rube Hazelton gits out o' 
jail Fm goin' t' marry her. 

Sheriff. Well, th' only thing liable t' spoil yer 
bright future is th' fact thet Rube Hazelton ain't 
goin' t' git out o' jail. Ef ye was as sure o' marry in' 
Sally as I am thet Rube Hazelton will be hanged yer 
prospects would be a good deal brighter. 

Abner. (sits on table l.) Oh, so th' squire has 
got ye on his side, too. Well, th' squire is darned 
lucky he ain't over there behind thet barred door 
with Rube Hazelton. Ef thet bullet o' his had gone 
a half inch t' th' left Ezra would be dead instead o' 
wanderin' aroun' with no more sense then a rag doll. 



40 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sheriff. Don't ye think Ezra will recover his 
mind again ? 

Abner. (gets off table. Comes c.) Well, I don't 
know. Dr. Burton says th' bullet grazed his head in 
such a way thet th' shock affected his brain. He 
doesn't hold out much hope thet Ezra ever'll know 
as much as he did before th' shootin'. 

Sheriff. But th' squire says et was an accident, 
an' ain't he doin' a lot fer Ezra because he's sorry 
fer what happened? 

Abner. Oh, I know all th' folks believe et was 
an accident an' they do say thet th' way Rube tried 
t' kill him with an axe an' then raved aroun' holler- 
in' fer blood was enough t' set his nerves on edge 
an' make him shoot. Et might hev been an accident, 
sheriff, but I'll be gol darned ef I believe et was. 

Sheriff. An' why don't ye believe et, Ab ? 

Abner. (showing badge) Well, sheriff, members 
o' th' International Detectives' bureau hev t' be 
suspicious o' everybody. Thet's part o' their busi- 
ness. An' thet's jest what I come t' see ye about. 

Sheriff. Well, what did ye want t' see me 
about ? 

Abner. (draws Hearer. Whispers) I want t' be 
a depity sheriff. 

Sheriff, (laughs heartily. Ab draws away to c.) 
You one o' my deputies ? (laughs again. Rises and 
crosses to c.) Well, ef thet ain't th' limit. What 
do ye want t' be a deputy fer when ye belong t' th* 
International Detectives' bureau ? 

Abner. (l. c.) Well, ye see, sheriff, et's like 
this. Of course us members of th' International 
Detectives' bureau (opens coat and displays badge) 
has lots o' privileges, but we ain't got any right t' 
carry revolvers. Now, I don't want t' git picked 
up 

Sheriff, (r. c.) Well, Ab, I don't need any 
more deputies, but ef yer thinkin' o' carryin' those 
rusty ol' horsepistols ye've got on now, go ahead. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 41 

I don't believe I'll arrest ye fer thet. If ye ever 
succeed in shootin' one of 'em off, which is impos- 
sible, ye wouldn't be liable t' hurt anybody but yer- 
self. Go ahead. 

Abner. Thank ye, sheriff. Ye see Sally won't 
marry me unless I solve th' mystery, an' I'll need a 
gun when I meet th' real murderer. 

Sheriff. I guess th' real murderer is safe from 
ye so long as he's behind them bars over there. 
(points to barred door l. Crosses dozun) 

Abner. (c. ) Hev yer own way, sheriff, but be- 
fore I git through them bars will open fer Rube 
Hazelton, fer I'm goin' t' prove he's an innocent 
man, 

Sally, {opens door r. and enters in time to hear 
last part of sentence. Slaps Ab on back. Ab 
winces) Bully fer you, Ab Judkins. Them words 
do ye credit. 

Sheriff, (crosses l. and gets keys off board) 
Well, Ab, I've got t' go into th' cell room, so I'll 
leave ye here with Sally. Remember yer an inter- 
national detective an' guard th' door carefully. 
Don't let anybody break into this jail who hadn't 
ought t' be in here, (laughs and e.vits l. ) 

Sally, (seats self in cliair at desk) Well, Ab, 
hev ye got any clews? 

Abner. (c. ) Clews? Yep, I got a lot of 'em, 
but darn et, vSal, I can't do no good work on this 
case. 

Sally. Why not ? 

Abner. I'm too durned busy thinkin' about you. 

Sally. About me? 

Abner. (crosses to chair. Kneels and takes 
Sally's hand) You guessed et. Aw, Sal, why 
don't ye marry me now an' let me solve th' mystery 
afterwards ? 

Sally, (rises, pushes Ab's hand away. He falls 
c. and Sally comes dozvn a little r. ) Abner 
Judkins hev you got th' nerve t' talk love t' me when 



42 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

I'm so near distracted thet I don't know where I'm 
at? What with Rube Hazelton in jail and Miss 
Edith cryin' her eyes out fer Dan Chamberlain an' 
too proud t' let him hev a chance t' explain, an' 
Ezra losin' his memory 

Arner. {remains sitting c.) I guess yer thinkin' 
most about Ezra. 

Sally. ( grozvs angry) Now, you look here, Ab 
Judkins. Don't you go t' gettin' jealous o' Ezra. 

Abner. (also grozvs angry. Rises) Aw, who's 
gettin' jealous? (crosses to Sally shaking head in 
her face) 

Sally, (puts hands under Ab's nose and backs 
him up stage totvard table) You are, an' jest let me 
tell you right now thet I won't stand fer et. (crosses 
down R. again) 

Abner. (up c. l. ) Oh, ye won't? 

Sally. No, I won't, Ab Judkins, an' ef yer goin' 
t' start in t' be boss o' me before I even consented t' 
marry ye ye kin consider yerself an outcast. Ye kin 
find another girl. 

Abner. (comes dozvn c. ) Well, thet would be 
easy enough. I kin make love 

Sally. No, ye can't. 

Abner. Why can't I? (comes closer to Sally 
dozvn R. ) 

Sally. Because ye lost yer book, (laughs) 

Abner. (tears hair. Very angry) Thet's right. 
Laugh. Drive me t' desperation. Go on. Tell me 
ye hate me. 

Sally. Well, I do hate ye then, an' I won't marry 
ye, Abner Judkins. (picks up skirts, tilts head in 
air, crosses Ab and goes up c. tozvard door) 

Abner. (follozvs her zvith eyes. Turns around, 
zvhich leaves him c. on next speech) Sally. 

Sally, (loudly) What? (turns) 

Abner. (jumps) Is this so long or good-bye? 

Sally. GOOD-BYE. (exits. Time it so door 
slams at zvord " bye.") 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 43 

Abner. {bawls very loudly) Now look what I've 
gone an' done. Hed a fight with th' best girl in th' 
world. Darn et, why can't th' course o' true love 
run smooth. I wish I hed th' nerve t' commit 
suicide, but no more cigars to drive dull care away. 
Darn et, why — (pauses a moment. Goes to desk r. ) 
I'll do et. I'll make Sal think I've committed sui- 
cide, an' see ef she's sorry. Et's th' very thing. 
(searches desk and gets writing paper, pen and ink. 
Bites end of pen) Now what will I say? Oh, yes. 
(writes) Misguided girl, (looks up) No, thet 
won't do. I've got t' show her thet I thought a lot of 
her when I died. Now what's th' best way t' start 
this off? I've got et. (writes again) Fair, but 
cruel girl. You have seen fit t' spurn my love, th' 
love of an honest heart which beats true even though 
it beats beneath a — (looks up again) beats beneath 
a what? (bites pen again) Oh — (writes again) 
a homespun shirt — (looks up again) I guess thet 
ought t' hit her. (writes again) Heaven only 
knows how I loved ye. (looks up again) Gittin' 
better every minute, (writes again) When I am 
dead jest remember thet I chose th' grave in pref- 
erence t' livin' an' knowin' ye had turned me down. 
An' when ye find my body jest press one kiss on my 
dead lips fer remembrance. Farewell — Abner. 
(reads note over) I guess thet'll fix her. An' when 
she finds out I ain't dead she'll fall into my arms. 
Now fer an envelope. (searches desk, finds 
envelope, places note inside and addresses it. Rises 
and starts for door) Well, here goes. I'll go right 
down t' th' post-office an' mail et' an' she'll git it 
pretty quick, (pulls hat dozvn over eyes) Now, 
fer th' dirty work, as Helpless Harry says in th' 
boys' own library, (opens door and bumps into 
Edith and Mrs. H. Quick exit) 

(Enter Edith and Mrs. H. Edith first.) 



44 ' THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Mrs. H. (turns and gases after Ab) Well, I 
wonder what's th' matter with Ab? He must hev 
found some clew thet wouldn't wait th' way he went 
out o' here. 

Edith, (dozvn l. c.) Oh, if he only could. But 
I'm afraid there's no clew which would help father. 
He must have been crazy when he did it. 

Mrs. H. Yes, an' thet's th' only thing thet ever 
will save him from th' gallows. But I don't hold out 
much hopes o' thet. 

Edith. Mother, what are you saying? Oh, it 
can't be. There must be something to prove him 
innocent. He couldn't have done it. (drops into 
chair dozvn l. ) 

Mrs. H. (going to her) There, there, Edie. 
Calm yerself. Of course he didn't do et, but we 
must be prepared fer th' worst. Many an innocent 
man has been hung on circumstantial evidence. 
Now ef Dan could only do somethin'. 

Edith, (rises and crosses. Mrs. H. r.) Dan? 
Don't talk to me of Dan. A man who will prove a 
traitor in love would sell his best friend for a mess 
of pottage. Dan Chamberlain has gone out of my 
life forever. Oh, mother, how could he do it? 

Mrs. H. (l. c. ) But maybe yer mistaken, Edie, 

Edith, (r. c. ) Mistaken? Didn't I see them 
with my own eyes? Didn't he dare to stand right in 
front of me and kiss her? Didn't he leave with his 
qrm about her shoulders? And he had just asked 
me to become his wife. 

Mrs. H. (crosses up c.) There, there, Edie, don't 
give way. 

Edith, (ivipes eyes) I won't then, mother. 
I'll try to be brave. 

Sheriff, (enters door l.) Why, howdy do, Mrs. 
Hazelton. Hov/dy do, Edie. What kin I do fer 
ye? 

Mrs. H. (c. ) We come t' see Rube. 

Sheriff. I'm sorry, Mrs. Hazelton, but ye can't 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 45 

see Rube without an order from th' prosecutin' 
attorney. I presume, though, (looks at Edith) thet 
thet will be easy t' git. Ye probably won't hev t' 
ask twice, Miss Edie. 

Mrs. H. What, can't see my own husband with- 
out an order from th' prosecutin' attorney ? 

Sheriff, (abashed. Comes dozvn l. Mrs. H, 
goes L. c. ) Well, A'Irs. Hazelton, et's none o' my 
doin's. Dan told me t' keep Rube separate from th' 
other prisoners an' treat him jest as if he was at 
home. I don't believe Dan thinks he's guilty an' 
I'm sure he wouldn't object t' you an' Edie seein' 
him. You jest ask him, Edie. 

Edith, (r.) Me ask a favor of Dan Chamber- 
lain? No, not even to see and comfort my father, a 
victim of circumstances and a law which is supposed 
to hold a man innocent of crime until he is proven 
guilty, but which has exactly the opposite effect. 

Sheriff, (crestfallen) Why, Edie, I'm sorry. I 
didn't mean t' offend ye. I didn't know you an' 
Dan had had any trouble. 

Edith. Well, sheriff, you've said it and that's all 
there is to it. But if you wish to be considered 
among my friends please do not mention the name of 
Dan Chamberlain to me again. 

(Enter Dan and Grace. Door r. Edith does not 
see Dan. Grace remains at door.) 

Edith. But may we see my father? 

Spieriff. Ye'U hev t' ask Dan. 

Dan. (dozvn c. ) No, she won't. Sheriff, you 
will allovv^ Edith 

Edith. Miss Hazelton to you. 

Dan. Very well. Sheriff, you will allow Miss 
Hazelton and her mother to visit the prisoner at any 
time. 

Sheriff. All right ef ye say so, Dan. (goes up 
L. and unlocks barred door) Right this way. 



46 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

(Mrs. H. and Edith cross to door. Mrs. H. exit.) 

Edith, (turns to Dan) I suppose I ought to 
thank you, and I do. (starts to hold out hand, but 
thinks better of it and turns and exits through barred 
door) 

(Sheriff exits and locks door. Dan goes r. c.) 

Grace, (comes down c.) I wouldn't care, Dan. 
She isn't worth it. 

Dan. (angrily) But she is worth it. Now, Grace 
Evans, you and I must come to an understanding. 
You say you have a clew which may result in the 
clearing of Rube Hazelton. Under the impression 
that you spoke the truth I have walked with you and 
talked with you. I have been in your company so 
much that the village gossips are busy. And that 
kiss you gave me the night of the murder. I almost 
believe you knew what you were doing. That kiss, 
Grace Evans, was a Judas kiss. I can't understand 
Edith's changed attitude toward me, but I'm sure 
you had something to do with it. 

Grace, (also angrily) Did it ever occur to you, 
Dan Chamberlain, that because you are the prosecut- 
ing attorney that doesn't give you the right to control 
the affairs of every one in Bradford county? I've 
done my best to help you and this is the thanks I get 
for doing so. If I thought Edith desired to become 
reconciled to you I'd be the first one to intercede for 
you. But have you stopped to consider that perhaps 
the reason she does not let you explain is that you 
might have a good explanation? Don't you think 
it possible that Edith has changed her mind and 
simply is trying to let you down easy? (laughs and 
turns away to l. ) 

Dan. (follows Grace) Let me down easy? 
Why, what do you mean? What excuse could she 
have for treating me the way she does ? 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 47 

Grace. I don't know, unless father- 



Dan. Yes, father. What has he done now ? He 
tried his very best to beat me for office. He used 
tricks any honest man would scorn and he spent 
money like water. I hadn't a cent, yet I won. And 
now he has poisoned the mind of the best girl in the 
world against me. Yes, let's talk about father. 
(crosses to r. c. ) 

Grace, (l. c. ) Oh, I didn't mean that. 

Dan. Well, then, what did you mean? 

Grace. I meant that perhaps father 

Dan. Yes, go on. 

Grace. Perhaps father has won her. 

Dan. Won her ? 

Grace. Yes, won her. Do you suppose Edith is 
such an ideal woman, such a paragon of goodness, 
that money, position, fine clothes, European tours, 
servants and a fine home would not tempt her? 

Dan. (crosses to Grace l. c. ) Grace, what are 
you saying? I know Edith Hazelton better than 
that. And now I begin to see light. Your father 
has told her som.ething. I don't know what, but I 
know it to be a lie. And you are in the plot, too. I 
don't know why, but you and your father have con- 
spired to wreck our happiness. And both of you 
have lied. Grace Evans, if you were a man, I 
wouldn't have allowed you to talk to me the way 
you have. 

Grace, (contemptuously. Takes cross to r.) If 
I were a man ? And if I v/ere a man, Dan Chamber- 
lain, I would show more common sense than you 
seem to possess. I'd know when I was turned down. 
(changes tone) But you have wronged me. I never 
have told Edith anything. I've even begged father 
to give up his ambitions in that direction. Dan, 
I've done every thing I could to atone for the wrongs 
father has done to you. And in return I am 
slandered. Oh, Dan. (weeps. Turns r. ) 

Dan. (crosses to R. and pats her on shoulder) 



48 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Now don't cry, Grace. Perhaps I spoke more 
harshly than I should have done. But forgive me if 
I have hurt you. I didn't mean to. (turns to c. 
sees Edith as she enters from barred door l. ) 

(Enter Mrs. H. and Sheriff. Mrs. H. crosses up 
c. Sheriff remains at door.) 

Dan. (starts toward Edith) Edith. 

Edith, (drazvs back) Don't touch me. 

Dan. But, Edith, I must speak. I have been 
misunderstood just as long as I intend to be. Won't 
you grant me an interview ? 

Edith. An interview would make no difference 
in my feelings toward you, but if it will ease your 
mind, speak. 

Dan. I should prefer that the interview be 
private. 

(Mrs. H. goes to door r. and sheriff starts to with- 
drazv into door l. ) 

Edith. Oh, don't go. Anything I have to say to 
this man is public property. He and I have nothing 
in common since, since — (drops voice) 

Dan. Very well, then, it shall be as you wish. 

(Enter squire. Comes dozvn below desk r. ) 

Dan. Edith, I only wish to' know why you treat 
me so. Why, you promised to marry me, Edith, and 
with the thought of such happiness uppermost in my 
mind I went ahead and fought when all the odds 
seemed against me and when it seemed as if I hadn't 
a single chance to win. And then you treated me 
cruelly. What have I done? Tell me, for heaven's 
sake, and end this suspense. 

Edith. Oh, I did love you, Dan, and when you 
asked me to be your wife it seemed as if I was the 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 49 

happiest girl in the world. And if you hadn't proved 
false I might have been just as happy to-day. 

Dan. (starts toward Edith) Then someone has 
been lying to you. What have they said. Tell me, 
Edith. There is some misunderstanding. 

Edith. There has been no misunderstanding. I 
have the best evidence in the world, that of my own 
eyes. Go with her. {points to Grace) Marry her. 
I care not what you do. Hang my father. It would 
be only a fitting conclusion for the other wrongs 
you have done me and mine. 

Dan. But, Edith. 

Edith. {ignores Dan and turns to Squire) 
Squire, will you escort us? 

Squire, {bows) 

{Exit Mrs. H. followed by Edith. Door in flat r. ) 

Squire, {up to door. Laughs) Good-bye, Dan, I 
wish you luck. You and Grace may have my bless- 
ing at any time. 

Dan. Why, you — {jumps for squire. Sheriff 
grasps Dan by arms) 

Sheriff. Now Dan. Remember, nothing rash. 

Dan. (c.) You're right, sheriif. I mustn't lose 
my temper. But you — {turns to Grace) I hope 
you're satisfied with your work. It was you who 
caused me to lose the only girl I ever loved. You, 
with your Judas kiss. That's what Edith meant 
when she said, " I saw you with my own eyes." 

Grace, {comes c. and kneels before Dan) Oh, 
forgive me, Dan. I didn't know what I was doing. 
Oh, Dan. Dan. 

Dan. {assists her to her feet. Still holds hands 
and talks into her face) Didn't know what you 
were doing? You lie. You knew what you were 
doing all the time. You've played a shrewd game 
but there's still a fighting chance for me to win, and 



50 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

rm going to do it. {drops Grace's hand and crosses 
down to L. of c.) 

Grace, (zveeps) Oh, Dan, please, please, (r. c.) 

Dan. Oh, don't worry. I do not revenge myself 
upon women. But go. {points to door r.) I never 
wish to see your face again. 

Grace. Dan. 

Dan. Go. 

Grace, {starts tozvard door. Turns and gases 
beseechingly at Dan) 

{Exits door r. weeping.) 

Dan. (l. c. ) Sheriff, I'm going to resign. 

Sheriff, {crosses to c. ) Resign? 

Dan. Yes, do you think I could stand it to send 
the father of the girl I love to the gallows? 

Sheriff. But Dan, your duty. 

Dan. (l. c. ) Qh, I know, but does duty tell me 
to give up my ambitions, to send one of my best 
friends to the hangman, to give up the girl I love. 
Does duty make me the enemy of man? Tell me 
that. 

Sheriff, (r. c.) No, Dan. You're right. But 
just remember that by continuing to act as prosecut- 
ing attorney you have a chance to fail in yer case, to 
fail t' convince twelve men thet Rube Hazelton is 
guilty of murder? 

Dan. And the devil sends one of his imps in the 
guise of an officer of the law to tempt me. No, if 
I conduct this case, it will be conducted in the 
interests of the people who elected me. If Rube 
Hazelton is guilty he'll hang. If he's innocent he'll 
go free, and by heaven he'll be supposed innocent 
until he's proved guilty beyond reasonable doubt. 
I've changed my mind, sheriff, I'm going to try this 
case. And I'm going to prove to the world that 
Rube Hazelton is innocent. 

Sheriff. Thet's th' way t' talk, Dan. I wouldn't 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 51 

fret about love affairs. When Cupid hits folks with 
his arrows th' wound ain't o' th' healin' kind. An' 
I don't believe et was th' blunt end of an arrow thet 
hit you an' Edith. 

Dan. {crsssesR.) I hope you're right, sheriff, 
and something seems to tell me you are. But I came 
to see Rube. I will interview him here if you please. 

Sheriff. All right, Dan. (exits through 
door L. ) 

Dan. (seats self in chair by desk) I wonder 
if the sheriff is right? I hope so. But sometimes 
it seems more than I can bear. 

(Enter Sheriff and Ruben. Ruren goes c. Ap- 
pears pale and worried.) 

Sheriff, (to Ruben) Dan wants t' talk t' ye. 
I'll leave ye alone Avith him. (exits door l. in flat) 

Ruben. Hello, Dan. 

Dan. (rises. Shakes Ruben's hand) Heilo, 
Rube, are they treating you well ? 

Ruben. ( l. c.) As well as could be expected, but 
to a man in my position th' best o' treatment is 
torture. Dan, is there any hope fer me? 

Dan. (r. c. ) There's always hope, Rube. 

Ruben, (eagerly) But hev ye found anything? 

Dan. (shakes head) Nothing, (comes down 
R. c. ) 

Ruben, (comes dozun l. c. ) But Ezra, he said I 
wasn't guilty. 

Dan. Yes, but Ezra has forgotten. He's your 
only hope at the trial, but it's a slim chance at best. 
It'll be pretty hard to get a jury to take the word of 
a boy who hasn't any mind. 

Ruben. But won't he git well? 

Dan. No, Dr. Burton holds out no hope. At first 
he said he thought it would wear off in a few days 
but it didn't. The boy's skull wasn't broken by the 



S2 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

bullet but there was some sort of a shock to his brain 
that the doctor says only nature can heal. 

Ruben, (hangs head, slowly crosses to u) I wish 
I knew what happened that night. 

Dan. (crossing to Ruben) Try to remember, 
Rube. 

Ruben. Oh, I've tried an' tried an' I can't do et. 
I've set there in my cell and waited fer something t' 
turn up. I've gazed out through th' bars on a little 
patch o' blue sky an' thought an' thought, an' I 
can't remember. I was too drunk thet night, (^sits 
in chair l.) 

Dan. Yes, you were fearfully drunk and tried to 
kill the squire previous to the murder at the mill. 
Why, if that is brought into the case your own 
daughter will be forced to bear witness against you. 
And then you know you were shouting for blood. 
Rube, if circumstantial evidence can hang a man, 
you are doomed, (approaches Ruben and places 
hand upon shoulder) Cheer up. Rube. Don't make 
it harder for me than it is. I have enough trouble. 
What with Edith's love turned to hate and having to 
prosecute one of my best friends for murder — 
(crosses slowly to R. Shakes head) 

Ruben, (raises head) I won't give way, Dan, 
I'm goin' t' brace up an' take my medicine like a 
man. I don't believe I'm guilty an' although th' 
hand o' th' law has fastened its grip on meT believe 
et will relax an' that I shall go free, (takes c. ) 
An' listen, Dan Chamberlain, ef I do go free et will 
be t' hate liquor like poison. I swear — (raises right 
arm) by all that is dear t' me thet I'll never touch 
another drop. 

Dan. (crossing to Ruben) Amen to that. 
(grasps Ruben's hand) 

(Ezra enters through door r. flat.) 

Dan. (crosses r. To Ruben) There is your 
witness. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 53 

(Ezra appears to he dazed. Comes down c.) 

Dan. {gets chair from desk. Places it c. Leads 
Ezra to chair) What are you doing here, Ezra? 

Ezra, (slowly) I don't know. I seem to do 
things without knowing why. Et seems t' me that 
I had some reason fer comin' here, but I've for- 
gotten, (places hand to forehead) There's some- 
thin' wrong here. I can't remember. Was I hurt? 

Dan. Yes, Ezra, you were injured. Don't you 
remember ? 

Ezra. No, Dan. You are Dan Chamberlain, 
aren't you? 

Dan. Why, yes, you ought to know me. I 
grew up in Bradford the same as you. 

Ezra. Yes, I know you. It seems to me you 
were trying to be elected. 

Dan. Yes, trying to be elected. Elected what, 
Ezra? 

Ezra. I don't remember. 

Dan. Well, Ezra, I was trying to be elected 
prosecuting attorney. 

Ezra. Yes, that was it, and there was some 
trouble. The mill 

Dan. Yes, yes, for heaven's sake go on. 

Ezra. What was I saying? 

Dan. You were talking of trouble at the mill. 

Ezra. Was I ? I'd forgotten. Yes, trouble at 
the mill. What trouble? 

Ruben, (holds out hands appealingly) Oh, 
Ezra, Ezra, try t' remember. Fer heaven's sake tell 
us what ye know. Th' life of an innocent man 
depends on ye. 

Dan. (stops Ruben) There, there, Rube, calm 
yourself. Let me conduct this examination. 

Ezra, (points to Ruben) Who is that? I 
seem to know him. 

Dan. That's Rube Hazelton, Ezra, the man ac- 



54 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

cused of having murdered George Gregory, Squire 
Evans' bookkeeper. 

Ezra. Yes, an' th' mill burned. 

Dan. a ray of light at last. Now, tell us, Ezra, 
you were there that night. 

Ezra. Was I ? I guess I was. I don't seem to 
remember jest where, but I seem t' remember a fire. 

Dan. (eagerly) Yes, Ezra, there was a fire. 

Ezra. I saw a fire an' someone was killed. 

Dan. Yes, for heaven's sake tell us what you 
know. You saw the murderer. W^as it Rube 
Hazelton, this man here — (indicates) who did the 
killing? Try to remember. Was it? 

Ezra. I don't know. Sometimes I seem t' re- 
member a murder. But th' face of th' man who did 
it, I can't see. 

(Squire enters door r. in flat. Ruben goes down 
to chair l. Buries face in hands. Sheriff 
enters door l. in flat.) 

Squire, (comes down r. of c.) And do ye call 
yerself a man, Dan Chamberlain, t' torture a half 
foolish boy. Is thet th' way ye practice th' third 
degree. 

(Ruben rises and stands glaring at Squire.) 

Dan. Torture? Look at that boy. Squire, and 
be proud of your work. 

Squire. Oh, th' prosecuting attorney has a kind 
heart. 

Ruben. Yes, an' thet's more than you hev, ye 
ol' villain, (starts toward Squire) 

Squire, (prepares to flee). Now, Rube, don't 
git angry. Ye'd better be exercisin' yer brain in 
findin' a way out o' yer trouble than in conjurin' up 
wrong impressions o' folks. 

Ruben. Wrong impressions. Th' next thing 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 55 

ye'll be sayin' is thet ye didn't rob me. But ye did, 
I swear ye did. Oh — (goes for Squire, but Dan 
steps between them and Sheriff catches Ruben) 

Dan. Take him back to his cell, sheriff, (to 
Ruben) Have courage, Rube, I'll see you again 
before to-morrow morning. 

Ruben, (to Sheriff) Oh, ye needn't keep yer 
hand on me, sheriff. I'll go quietly. Et's only th' 
sight o' him (points to Squire) thet makes me lose 
my head. 

(Dan crosses l. and watches Sheriff and Ruben 
out. Dan l. c, Squire r. c, Ezra l. u., at 
table.) 

Dan. Now, I'll settle with you. Squire Evans. 

Ezra, (rises, gazes intently at Squire, points at 
Squire) I'm afraid of you. I'm going away t' try 
an' remember. But I can't. Don't let him hurt me, 
Dan. 

Dan. Why, Ezra, what do you mean? 

Ezra. I don't know, but I'm afraid of him. I'm 
going away. The lights — (claps hand to forehead) 
I see red, red. (approaches R. f. door) But, I 
can't remember. Oh, I can't remember, (exit r. f. 
Door. Faintly, in distance). I can't remember. 

Dan. (comes down l.) I wonder what it is 
that he can't remember? 

Squire, (comes down r. c.) I'd like t' know as 
well as you. Haven't I been tryin' my best since 
th' night o' th' accident t' restore his memory? 
Haven't I paid his doctor bills? Haven't I atoned? 
Tell me that, Dan Chamberlain. 

Dan. (goes c. ) Atoned ? Yes, you have atoned 
for that, but have you atoned for poisoning the 
mind of Edith against me? Have you atoned for 
that, I say? You've been lying to her. Squire 
Evans, and now, by heaven, you're going to tell me 
what vou have said. 



56 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Squire, (shrinks in fear down r.) Ye wrong 
me, Dan. I swear t' ye upon my honor I haven't 
told Edie anything. 

Dan. Honor? Who are you to talk to me of 
honor ? 

Squire. I tell you what's th' matter with you, 
Dan Chamberlain, you're jest mad because I'm 
goin' t' git Edie away from you. 

Dan. You win Edith? Why, you scoundrel — 
(grasps Squire by shoulders and shakes him) 

Squire. Help ! Help ! 

Sheriff, (enter door l. Pulls Dan c.) Dan, 
Dan, what are ye doin' ? 

Dan. Oh, I don't know. Whenever I see him I 
can hardly keep my hands off him, and when he 
jeers and uses the name of Edith, I, well, it is pos- 
sible that I lost my temper. I, I beg your pardon, 
squire. I'm going out to walk and walk and try to 
think, (starts for door r. f.) I must think. I 
must think, (exits door r. f.) 

(Squire holds hand to hearts Motions to Sheriff 
to help him. Sheriff assists Squire to chair 
down L.) 

Sheriff. (l. c.) Why, what's th' matter, 
squire ? 

Squire. Et's my heart. Et seems t' be gittin' 
weaker an' weaker. Some day I'm afraid et will 
stop altogether. 

Grace, (enters door R. f. Comes down c.) 
Why, father, what's the matter? 

Squire. Oh, et's jest another o' those heart at- 
tacks. I feel better now. 

(Sheriff takes stage R. c.) 

Grace, (crosses l.) But, what have you been 
doing ? What caused it ? You know the doctor told 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 57 

you too much excitement might prove fatal. Come, 
you had better return home with me. 

Squire. No, Grace. I came t' see th' sheriff on 
particular business. Ef I only could lie down fer 
a minute er two 

(Grace crosses r. c.) 

Sheriff. (crosses l. To Squire) Well, 
squire, I guess we kin fix thet. There's a cot in th' 
small room where I sleep at night. You kin jest go 
in there an' ye won't be disturbed. Hadn't I better 
git a doctor? 

Squire. No, I guess et won't be necessary. I'll 
be all right in a few minutes, (to Grace) Ye 
won't need t' wait, Grace. Et's gittin' pretty late 
an' probably I won't be home until well along in th' 
evenin'. (rises) Will ye help me a bit, sheriff? 

(Sheriff assists Squire to door of flat l. Exit 
Sheriff and Squire.) 

Grace, (crosses up stage to chair by desk r. ) 
I wonder what can have happened. Why, I passed 
Dan only a moment ago and he looked about as 
pleasant as a thundercloud. 

Sheriff, (enters door l. f.) Ye'd better look 
after yer father, Miss Grace. I've got t' go into th' 
cell room fer a few minutes. 

Grace, (approaches door l. f.) Very well. 

Sheriff, (looks around) I guess et's about 
time t' light th' lamps, (bus. of lighting lamps or 
electric lights) 

(Sheriff exits door l., bus. of unlocking, lock- 
ing, etc.) 

Abner. (enter r. f. greatly agitated) Holy 
smoke, but thet was a narrow escape. Sal was right 



58 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

on my track. Since she got that letter, she's been 
lookin' all over th' village fer me. I guess thet 
wasn't a great scheme. But now thet I'm dead I 
ain't goin' t' be resurrected at th' wrong time. I 
want Sal t' git good an' worried before she finds me 
alive, an' then 

(Noise at handle of door behind table.) 

Abner. Gee, what's thet? Maybe et's Sal. I've 
got t' hide myself, but where? (runs up and down 
stage excited) Where th' deuce is a good hidin' 
place? (spies wardrobe) Jest th' thing, (enters 
%vardrobe and closes door. Pokes head out with 
hand to nose) Gosh! I'm in a skunks' hotel. 

(Noise at door l. f. Abner slams wardrobe door 
shut. ) 

Grace, (enter door l. f. ) I thought I heard a 
noise, (gazes about) It must have been my im- 
agination, (comes dozvn and sits l. in chair) I be- 
lieve Dan suspects the truth. If Edith ever finds 
out, well, I hate to think what would happen. 

(Abner peeks from wardrobe door. Holds nose. 
Rubs badge.) 

Grace. So far I've been lucky, and now if I only 
play the cards right I should win. That sprained 
ankle trick worked to perfection. She thinks Dan 
kissed me (laughs) but she'll never know it was a 
trick. 

(Abner ptdls door.) 

Grace, (rises) Why, what was that? 

(Edith enters door r. f. ) 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 59 

Grace. Why, good evening, Edith. 

Edith, (ignores Grace. Up r.) Is Dan here? 

Grace. Dan ? Why, what can you want of Dan ? 

Edith, (comes down r.) I want him to forgive 
me for the cruel manner in which I have treated 
him. Grace, I'm going to ask Dan's pardon. I've 
been a fool. 

Grace. Yes, and you'll be more of a fool if 
you have anything to do with him. You'll only hurt 
yourself. 

Edith. Hurt myself? What do you mean? 

Grace. I mean that Dan Chamberlain doesn't 
love you any more. Can't you see he's playing a 
part? 

Edith. Playing a part? 

Grace. Yes, playing a part. Can't you see? 
Well, then I'll tell you. (crosses to l. c.) You and 
Dan have known each other ever since you were 
tiny children, and since that time you've expected 
that some day he would marry you. 

Edith, (crosses to l. ) Weil, what of it? 

Grace. (c) There's this much of it. Dan 
didn't have the nerve to tell you he didn't love you 
and thus wound your feelings, so he asked you to 
marry him, hoping you would refuse. You didn't 
refuse, so he decided to make the best of it. You 
saw him kiss me. That was a farewell kiss to me. 
He didn't know you saw him, but he knows it now. 
I'm going to tell you the plain truth. Dan deceived 
you. He loved me, but he thought it his duty to 
marry you. 

(Edith weeps. Sits in chair l.) 

Grace. Dan has asked me to marry him. He's 
forgotten you. 

Edith, (rises to feet. Faces Grace) Grace 
Evans, you lie. 



6o THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Grace, (shrugs shoulders, turns azvay r.) Well, 
ask him and see. 

Edith, (c.) Ask him? You know I wouldn't 
do that after what has happened. No, let Dan go 
his way, and I will go mine, (turns toward door 
R. F., starts for door, turns back toward Grace) 
But, Grace, if you have lied to me, beware, (turns 
to door again. Weeps into handkerchief) Oh, 
Dan, how could you? (exit door r. f. ) 

Grace, (laughs. Crosses to zviiidow r.) Well, 
I think that settled her case for good. I don't think 
she'll bother me any more, (gases out windotv) 
But, it's getting dusk, (lights dimmed) I must be 
going, (crosses to door r. f. Turns. Mockingly) 
Oh, Dan, how could you? (laughs. Exit door 
R. F. ) 

Sheriff, (enters door l., locks cell door) I 
wonder ef th' squire is recovered. Et's gittin' pretty 
near time t' lock up an' I don't want t' keep him 
here all night. 

(Squire enters door l. f. and crosses down c.) 

Sheriff. Better now, squire? 

Squire. Yes, much better, although these heart 
attacks always leave me a bit weak. 

Sheriff. Well, I'm glad ye're better. I thought 
fer a minute I'd hev t' keep ye here all night. D'ye 
think ye kin git home alone? 

Squire. Yes, but I ain't goin' yet. I come here 
t' talk particular business with ye. 

Sheriff, (l. c. ) Why, what kind o' business? 

Squire. Set down, (indicates chair dozvn l. ) 

Sheriff, (seats self) Well, what is it? 

Squire. Did ye ever see thet before, Luke 
Higgins? (pulls photograph from pocket and 
hands it to Sheriff) 

Sheriff, (gases casually at photograph, then 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 6i 

starts. Attempts to conceal agitation) No, who 
is it? 

Squire. Look again, Luke Higgins, alias Albert 
Hungerford. 

(Abner peers from ivardrohe.) 

Sheriff. {rises) My God, man, what d'ye 
mean? 

Squire. Well, jest let me tell ye a little story. 

Sheriff. {greatly agitated. Sits again) Go 
on, man, go on. 

Squire. Up in a little town in the Michigan 
woods about fifteen years ago lived a man named 
Joe Davis and his v/ife. They seemed t' be very 
happy. But Joe's wages didn't amount t' much an' 
they decided t' increase th' family income by takin' 
a boarder. A man named Albert Hungerford, a 
feller thet worked in th' lumber camps when he 
was sober, went t' board with 'em. Albert Hunger- 
ford fell in love with th' woman an' they planned t' 
elope. But jest on th' night they intended t' flee, 
Davis, who was supposed t' be visitin' a sick brother 
in a nearby village, arrived on th' scene. There was 
a scuffle an' Davis was shot. He died th' next day 
an' since thet time th' Michigan officers hev been 
huntin' fer Albert Hungerford. 

Sheriff, {rises. Goes l.) But et was an acci- 
dent. I swear et. Et was his own gun thet killed 
him. 

Squire. Oh, so you admit it, then? 

Sheriff, {hangs head) Oh, I s'pose 't ain't no 
use t' deny et. I'm tired o' fleein' from th' law. 
When I came here I changed my name an' tried t' 
forgit, but I couldn't. But, fer heaven's sake how 
did ye find out? 

Squire. Well, maybe I've been interested in 
lookin' up th' history o' various residents o' this 
community. Maybe I wrote t' th' Michigan sheriff 



"62 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 



n 



fer a picture o' Albert Hungerford. There it is, 
(indicates) Ye've grown a beard since then an' 
ye've changed quite a lot, but thet picture is a like- 
ness of ye as ye appeared fifteen years ago. 

Sheriff, {crosses to c. ) For God's sake don't 
give me up. Et was an accident. I swear et. 
Squire, squire — (gets down on knees) 

Squire, (r. c. ) Ye don't need t' fear anything 
from me, providin' 

Sheriff, {rises) Providin' what? 

Squire. Providin' ye help me in a little scheme. 

Sheriff. What kind of a scheme? 

Squire. Sheriff, what would ye do ef Rube 
Hazelton tried t' escape from this jail? 

Sheriff. I'd prevent him, of course, usin' force 
if. necessary. 

Squire. Would ye kill him? 

Sheriff. What d'ye mean? {gazes furtively 
around) 

(Abner shuts door of wardrobe.) 

Squire. I mean what I say. I want Rube Hazel- 
ton t' attempt t' escape an' I want him prevented by 
force. In short I want Rube Hazelton killed. 

Sheriff, {stretches to full height, c. ) Then 
ye kin git somebody else t' do th' job. I've killed 
one man by accident an' I'm damned ef I'm goin' t' 
kill another by design. Ef I return t' Michigan all 
I'll hev t' do is t' serve th' rest o' my life in prison. 
But I tell ye right now. Squire Evans, I'd rather do 
thet than do what ye ask. {retires l.) 

Squire, {crosses to c. ) Very well, then, when 
ye're gazin' out through th' bars of a Michigan peni- 
tentiary jest remember I gave ye a chance. But, 
look here, Luke Higgins, or Albert Hungerford, 
whichever name ye prefer, ye won't be in any 
danger whatever an' after th' fuss blows over ye 
kin leave Bradford with $5,000 o' my money in yer 
pocket. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 63 

Sheriff, (considers. Aside) Penitentiary? 
Alone with my thoughts fer th' rest o' my life? 
God, I can't do et. {aloud) Squire, I'll do what 
you ask. 

(Abner peeks again. Rubs badge. Shuts door 
again.) 

Squire. I thought ye'd be reasonable after 
awhile. Now, what I want ye t' do is t' give me 
duplicate keys t' thet door (points to door l. ) an t' 
thet one. (points to door r. f. ) I'll fix things with 
Rube an' when ye hear a shot outside, well, you do 
th' rest. 

(Sheriff goes to board and gets keys, gives them 
to Squire.) 

Squire. Now, go get Rube an' bring him here. 
At 10 o'clock ye will hear th' shot. 

(Sheriff crosses to cell door. Exit Sheriff.) 

Squire, (seats self in chair by desk r. ) Well, 
I've gone an' done et. Et's a good thing thet Luke 
doesn't know they found out th' shot thet killed Joe 
Davis was accidental. With Rube out o' th' way 
tliere's no chance fer anybody ever t' find out about 
th' minin' deal. Of course I might wait an' let him 
get hanged, but he might escape th' gallows in some 
way. An' ef he gits shot I guess et'U help my case 
with Edie. 

(Enter Sheriff and Ruben l.) 

Sheriff. Now, Rube, I'm goin' t' leave ye alone 
with th' squire fer a minute. Don't git violent, fer 
th' squire tells me he kin help ye. 

Ruben. I don't know as I want any help from 
you, Squire Evans. 



64 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sheriff. Well, ye'd better listen t' what he's got 
t* say, anyway. I'll be back in a minute, (exit 
through door l. f. ) 

Ruben, (crosses to c.) Well, what d'ye want? 

Squire. (risQs) I want t' be yer friend, Rube, 
ef ye'll let me. 

Ruben. What? You a friend of mine? Now, 
thet's good, (comes dozvn l. ) 

Squire, (comes down c. ) Well, I do. Now, 
look here. Rube, ye've misjudged me long enough. 
I want t' help ye, an' unless I do, ye're goin' t' th' 
gallows jest as sure as shootin'. I'm goin' t' help ye 
t' escape. 

Ruben. Escape? I've got a fine chance, 
haven't I ? 

Squire. Yes, ye hev. I've got et all fixed. 

Ruben. Ye hev, hev ye? Well, jest supposin' I 
don't want t' escape? 

Squire. But ye do. Rube, d'ye want t' stay 
here an' be taken t' court an' convicted on a lot o' 
circumstantial evidence, includin' thet o' yer own 
daughter, who heard ye callin' fer blood an' who 
saw ye tryin' t' kill me ? I don't hold no hard f eel- 
in's on account o' thet. Rube. Ye was drunk thet 
night an' possessed of an insane notion thet I had 
robbed ye, an 

Ruben. I believe ye did rob me, too. Those 
mine stock certificates I got wasn't th' ones I paid 
fer, by a darn sight, an' ye know et, too, squire. 

Squire. Well, this is no time t' talk o' thet, an' 
some day I may be able t' prove t' ye thet ye mis- 
judged me. But I don't want t' see ye hang, Rube. 
Ye don't want t' d'ye. Rube. 

Ruben. I guess yer right, squire. Maybe I did 
misjudge ye. Of course I might wait an' stand 
trial, but from th' way things look I haven't got a 
chance. 

Squire. Thet's th' way t' look at things. Ye 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 65 

kin go away an' then yer wife an' daughter kin join 
ye later. 

Ruben. Squire, I'll do et. Test show me how. 

Squire. Well, ye take these keys, (hands keys) 
They fit th' door t' th' cell room an' th' outer door. 
When ye hear a shot fired outside th' jail jest wait 
a minute while th' sheriff investigates. Then un- 
lock th' doors an' get away. 

Ruben. I'll do et. 

Squire. Remember now. When th' shot is fired. 
{goes up) Oh, sheriff. 

(Sheriff enters l. f.) 

Ye kin take Rube back t' his cell. I'm through. 
(crosses to Ruben. Aside) Good-bye, Rube. 
Hev courage. 

(Ruben crosses to door l. Sheriff conies dozvn to 
Ruben. Exit Sheriff and Ruben door l. ) 

Squire, (looks after them) Th' plot is workin' 
t' perfection. Of course et's th' best way. (exit 
door R. f. ) 

Abner. (opens zvardrobe door and emerges. 
Business of sneaking about from door to door. 
Very mysterious. Then comes c. ) Well, I'll be 
gosh dummed. I guess Dare Devil Dan never hed 
no case like this one. Gee, et's great t' be a detec- 
tive — (szvells up) But when th' shot is fired De- 
tective Judkins is goin' t' be on th' job. 

(Noise at outer door. Abner tears around quickly 
and exits in zvardrobe.) 

Sally, (enters door r. f. Greatly agitated) 
Oh, Ab, Ab. (falls exhausted in chair at desk r. ) 

Sheriff, (enters door l. Comes c.) What's 
thet? 



66 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sally, (rises) I'm lookin' fer Ab. Hev ye 
seen him? (falls again into chair) 

Sheriff. No, he ain't been here. Why, Sally, 
what's th' matter? 

Sally, (baivls very loud) Oh, Sheriff, he's 
gone an' killed himself an' jest because we had a 
quarrel. He's in heaven with th' angels, playin' a 
golden harp an' inhalin' sweet perfume. 

(Abner opens door. Holds nose with hand. 
Sally continues. Pulls out letter.) 

Sheriff, (crosses to Sally and takes letter. 
Reads. Mock agitation) Well, well, Sally, this is 
serious. 

Sally. Yes, et is. It's more than that. It's 
hell, (bawls) 

Sheriff. Why, Sally. 

Sally. Oh, I know et's wrong t' swear, but 
when a big, noble fellow like Ab goes an' kills him- 
self, (hazvls. Abner into wardrobe again. Sally 
continues) An' I loved him an' I didn't mean what 
I said, an', an' — (bawls) 

Sheriff, (helps her to door, then comes l. c. ) 
Well, now, Sally, ye jest go home an' Ab'll come 
back all right. 

Sally, (at door) Oh, Sheriff, I hope so. An' 
ef ye see him tell him Sally's waitin' t' ask his for- 
giveness. But I'm sure ye'll find th' body of thet 
brave hero somewhere out under th' sky with a 
bullet hole in th' temple, (bawls and conies c. 
again ) 

Sheriff, (helps her to door r. f. again) Now, 
ye stop yer cryin' an' go right home, Sally, an' in 
th' mornin' ef Ab hasn't showed up I'll find him 
fer ye. 

Sally. All right. Sheriff. I'll go, but not t' 
sleep. I'll jest pray thet Ab comes back safe. 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 67 

Sheriff, {comes dozvn c. ) Well, don't worry, 
Everything'll come out all right. 

Sally. Good night, Sheriff. Oh, Ab, Ab— 
( bawls. Exits door r. f. Bawling grows fainter in 
distance) 

Sheriff, (watches Sally nntil hatvling ceases, 
then comes and sits at desk r. Boivs head on 
hands) Everything will come out all right. Thet's 
what I told Sally, but will et? Why should th' 
ghost o' th' past walk to-night t' haunt me? Why 
should th' blood o' th' slain call out fer vengeance. 
God, et's too horrible, (rises. Goes down r. c. ) 
But I've got t' do et. Et's th' only way out. (looks 
at zvatch. Looks out window r. Locks door r. f. 
Turns dozvn lights. Locks cell door l. Lights 
dimmed. Locks wardrobe. Exit door l. f. ) 

{After pause shot is heard outside r. Cell door l. 
clicks. Ruben enters, peers stealthily about, 
goes tozvard oicter door. Sheriff enters door 
L. F. with shotgun. As Ruben puts key into 
door R. F., Sheriff levels gun at his back.) 

Sheriff, (l. c.) Oh, God, I've got t' do et. 

Abner. (appears through top of wardrobe zvith 
horse pistols levelled at Sheriff) Drop thet gun, 
Sheriff. 

CURTAIN. 



Setting for Act 3. 

A — Door 

B — Window 

C — Chair 

D — Flat-top desk 

E — Hall rack 



68 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 



ACT HI. 

(House is pitch dark. No lights anywhere except 
drop or table electric light on desk c. Dan is 
discovered asleep, head on arms on desk. After 
a pause blue lights behind back drop are 
sloidy turned on to denote daylight. Blue 
lights grozv stronger and are succeeded by 
yellow until stage is fully lighted. Desk at 
which Dan sits is covered with lawbooks, 
papers, ink-well, etc., and telephone.) 

Dan. {awakes, slowly rubs eyes. Glances at 
watch) Daybreak. And before night Rube Hazel- 
ton will have been condemned to the gallows. 
There is absolutely no defense. I can see those 
twelve men filing in now and I can hear their ver- 
dict — Guilty. 

(Noise at door r. f.) 

Dan. (turns) Come in. 

(Enter Sally door r. f.) 

Dan. Why, good morning, Sally, what brings 
you here so early? 

Sally. Well, yer ma wants t' know ef yer 
comin' home t' breakfast. 

Dan. Oh, is that all? 

Sally. No, et ain't all. I want some legal ad- 
vice. 

Dan. Legal advice? Why, what's the matter? 

Sally. Well, et's jest like this, (seats self 
chair r. of desk) After Ab played thet suicide 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 69 

trick on me last night, I was so blame mad thet I 
called our engagement off, an' now Ab says he's 
goin' t' hev me arrested fer breach o' promise. 

Dan. Well, thet's rather bad. 

Sally. Bad? I should say so. But kin he hev 
me arrested? 

Dan. (smiles) Well, that remains to be seen. 
We'll look up the law on the subject, (goes to 
bookcase and gets lawbook. Returns to desk, seats 
self, opens book and searches for place) Ah, here 
it is. (reads) Personal actions arising upon con- 
tract, express or implied, may be commenced by 
capias ad respondendum to recover damages for any 
breach of promise to marry, when the plaintiff or 
someone in his behalf shall make and attach to such 
writ an affidavit, stating therein that the plaintiff 
has a claim for damages against the defendant for 
the cause of action stated in the writ, and upon 
which he believes that the plaintiff is entitled to 
recover a certain sum, being more than one hun- 
dred dollars. 

Sally. But what's a capsicus conundrum? 

Dan. Not capsicus conundrum, Sally, Capias 
ad respondendum. 

Sally. Well, whatever it is. What is it? 

Dan. In plain words, Sally, et's a body execu- 
tion. 

Sally, (gets down off chair onto knees). Oh, 
Dan, don't let 'em. 

Dan. " (rises and assists Sally to feet) Don't 
let 'em hang me. I didn't do nothin' t' be hanged 
fer. 

Dan. Hanging? Who said anything about 
hanging ? 

Sally. Well, didn't you say thet capsicus conun- 
drum meant execution? 

Dan. (laughs) It isn't that kind of an execu- 
tion, Sally. A body execution is merely a civil 
warrant. 



70 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sally. Oh! But I guess I'll marry Ab, an' 
then I won't hev t' monkey with all thet stuff. 

Dan. Perhaps that's the best way out of it. At 
the present time when folks go to law the only ones 
who benefit are the lawyers. 

Sally. I guess yer right. But ain't ye goin' 
home, Dan? 

Dan. No, I don't believe I care for any break- 
fast, {head on hands again) 

Sally, (advances to Dan, places hand upon his 
shoidder) Cheer up, Dan, maybe things ain't as 
bad as ye think, 

Dan. But I'm afraid they are, Sally. What 
with Edith hating me and having to send her father 
to the gallows I'm afraid things are about as bad 
as they could be. 

Sally. Edith hatin' ye? 

Dan. Yes, that's one trouble. 

Sally. Why, Edith don't hate ye. 

Dan. (rises and grasps Sally by arm) What's 
that you say? Say it again, Sally, say it again. 

Sally, (shrinks r.) Why, Edith cries every 
night on account o' ye, Dan. Et must be some sort 
of a misunderstandin'. 

Dan. (c.) And she isn't going to marry the 
squire ? 

Sally. I don't know as t' thet. She hasn't said 
nothin' me about et. But you jest cheer up, an' 
everything will come out all right. Now, look at 
me. Yesterday I was worryin' because I thought 
Ab was dead, an' he wasn't. An' to-day I was 
goin' t' be executed on a capsicus conundrum an' 
now I ain't. I'm goin' t' marry Ab an' then all I'll 
have is — trouble. 

Dan. Perhaps you're right, Sally. I'll try not 
to worry. But you had better run along home and 
tell mother not to wait breakfast for me. 

Sally. All right, Dan. (turns to go) I hope 
ye slept some. Last night was a horrible night in 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 71 

Bradford. I wish I knew what happened at th' 
jail. 

Dan. So do I, and I will before the day is 
over. 

Sally, (crosses, holds out hand to Dan, shakes 
it. Cross to door r. f. during speech) Well, Dan, 
good-bye. Cheer up. Somethin' may happen be- 
fore th' trial. Cheer up, Dan. (exit door r. f. ) 

(Lights coming up.) 

Dan. (sits on table l.) A horrible night in 
Bradford? Yes, I believe it was. It reminds me 
of that passage from Julius Caesar — " The graves 
did open, and the sheeted dead did squeak and 
gibber in the Roman streets." — But it wasn't the 
dead so much as the living who bothered me. 
What did Sally mean when she said Edith cried? 
Oh, I can't think. I'll take a walk. 

Abner. (enters door r. f.) I'll have th' law on 
her. Yessir. (walks up and dozvn r. ) 

Dan. (crosses to Abner. Grasps him by arm) 
For heaven's sake, Ab, what's the matter with you? 

Abner. Ah! (grasps Dan by coat lapels) 
You're it. 

Dan. (shaking self loose) I'm what? 

Abner. Th' feller I want t' see. 

Dan. Well, what do you want t' see me about? 

Abner. I want t' sue Sally fer breach o' th' 
peace. 

Dan. Breach of the peace? 

Abner. Well, it's breach of somethin' or other. 
She refuses t' marry me. 

Dan. Oh, I see what you mean. Breach of 
promise. 

Abner. That's it. Breach of promise. 

Dan. Well, Ab, I haven't time now to bother 
with breach of promise suits, (approaches door 
R. f.) I'm going to take a walk to see if I can't 



72 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

collect my scattered senses. But I want you to re- 
main here until I return. I have a few questions to 
ask you in regard to that affair at the jail last 
night. In the meantime you can be looking up the 
law on the subject, (laughs) You'll find all the 
books necessary on the desk, (takes hat from hall 
rack) When I return I expect you to be con- 
versant with the law on the subject, (exit door 
R. F. ) 

Abner. (walks over to desk. Picks up book) 
Well, there's certainly enough books here. What's 
this, (picks up book and reads title) Howell's 
antiquated statutes. Well, I like t' look at pic- 
tures o' statuary, (opens book) They ain't no 
pictures in th' durn thing, (throws book down) 
Ah, here's another, (picks tip book and reads 
title) Webster's dictionary. Jest th' book I want. 
Now, you. Squire Evans, jest wait till we meet. 
I've always wanted t' tell th' squire what I think o' 
him, but never knew enough big words t' do it. 
But now — (seats self at desk and reads book) 
Let's see. (turns over pages) Ah! Peaches. 
(pidls out pencil and zvrites) Orangoutang. Gee. 
that's a good one. (turns over pages) Pusillani- 
mous. That looks good. (ivrites. Tunis over 
pages) Ah! Quahaug. (quauhock) An Ameri- 
can edible clam. That'll do for him. (writes) 
I guess I've got quite a list now, but it won't do 
any harm to swell it some. 

Squire, (enters door r. f.) Ah, Ab, doing 
some writing? 

Abner. (looks up disgustedly) No, I'm teach- 
ing an oyster how to jump rope. 

Squire. (comes down r. Forced laughter) 
Ha, ha, ha. That was very clever, Ab. But you 
always were a clever fellow. 

Abner. I haven't got a cent. 

Squire. A cent? 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 73 

Abner. Yes, wasn't ye goin' t' ask me t' lend 
ye money? 

Squire. Certainly not. Why, Ab, any time you 
need money, you know ye kin come t' me. 

Abner. (aside) Send for th' keeper. I'm 
r^ady t' go. (to Squire) What's th' matter, 
Squire, goin' t' give yer money away so ye kin die 
poor? 

Squire. Oh, no, I jest wanted t' show my 
friendliness t' ye, Ab. (aside) I've got t' find 
out how much he heard last night. 

Abner. You a friend o' mine? 

Squire. Why, of course I'm yer friend. I al- 
ways did admire ye, Ab, an' I always told every- 
body ye'd be a great detective some day. 

Abner. (aside) I'll bet he did. (aloud) Is 
thet so? 

Squire. Yes, it is. And by th' way thet was a 
pretty cute trick ye pulled off last night. 

Abner. Oh, ye mean hidin' in th' wardrobe. 
(aside) I knew et. 

Squire. Yes, ye know th' sheriff an' I was play- 
in' a joke on Rube. 

Abner. Oh, is thet so? Well, I'd hated t' hev 
been Rube ef th' joke hed worked. 

Squire. Well, Rube wouldn't hev been hurt ef 
it had. But I s'pose ye knew all about et from 
what ye heard in th' wardrobe. How much did ye 
hear, Ab? 

Abner. Well, et was enough. 

Squire. Then tell me, what was it? 

Abner. I'm jest waitin' t' tell et 

Squire. Ah ! 

Abner. T' th' prosecutin' attorney, (aside) 
Now's my chance, (grabs up paper, jumps to feet 
and faces Squire. Aloud) But I hev got some- 
thin' t' tell ye. 

Squire. What is et? 

Abner. I want t' tell ye what I think o' ye, ye 



74 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

ol' quahaug. Ye orangoutang, ye pusillanimous ol' 
hypocrite, ye, ye — {shakes fist in Squire's face) 
ye ol' — (walks up and down stage) ye, ye — ■ 
{looks at paper) ichthyosaurus, ye antiquated ol' 
fossil, ye, — {approaches door) Ye — {opens door 
and turns to Squire) um, um, um — {mouths it) 
Bah! {exit door r. f. Slams door) 

Squire. {sinks into chair at side of desk) 
Well, I guess he must hev heard th' whole business. 

Grace, {enter door r. f.) Well, here you are, 
comes down) 

Squire. Why, good mornin' Gracie. 

Grace. Yes, it's a fine morning. The early air 
must have braced you wonderfully to give you 
nerve enough to show up here after the way you 
bungled things last night. 

Squire. Why not? Th' boldest course is al- 
ways th' safest. 

Grace. You are certainly lucky at picking out 
the boldest course. You're lucky that the sheriff 
didn't shoot Rube Hazelton and then bungle mat- 
ters so you would be found out. But what are you 
doing here? {crosses l. ) 

Squire, {down r. ) I cum over t' attend th' 
trial fer one thing an' t' look fer Edie fer another. 
I've got t' square matters with her. Why, she was 
almost ready t' marry me. 

Grace. I wish she would marry you and have 
it over with. I'm tired of having her sobbing 
around in my way. If you only could get her 
promise to wed I would need fear nothing. 

Squire. Well, maybe we kin fix up some sort 
of plan. We must prevent them two from gittin' 
together. Sh ! 

Dan. {enter door r. f., hangs up hat and comes 
dozvn R., crosses to desk) Good morning. Come 
to attend the trial I suppose, {arranges papers at 
desk c.) 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 75 

Squire, (aside) Thank heaven he hasn't seen 
Ab. (aloud) Good morning, Dan. 

Grace. Good morning. 

Squire. We did come t' attend th' trial in th' 
hope thet we could be of some use t' ye, but I don't 
see how we kin help ye. I guess th' only way out 
of et is fer ye t' quit yer job. 

Dan. (sits c.) I've thought it all over, Squire, 
and I've decided to go ahead with the case. If I 
don't someone else will and someone else might 
not have so much regard for the rights of Rube 
Hazelton as I. Yes, I'm going on with it. 

Squire. (crosses up to desk r. ) Thet's th' 
right way t' talk, Dan, an' I'm sure everybody'll 
make et as easy fer ye as they kin. 

Dan. But can I do anything for you? 

Squire. Not fer me. I've got a little business 
down street. My heart's been botherin' me quite a 
bit lately and — (glances at watch) I'm due at Dr. 
Burton's office right now. Good-bye, Dan, I'll be 
with ye at th' trial, (crosses up to door r. f. ) 

Dan. Good-bye, Squire. 

(Exit Squire r. f.) 

But can I do anything for you, Grace? 

Grace, (crosses up to l. of desk) Yes, Dan. 
I've heard things in Bradford that I think you 
should know. 

Dan. Things that I should know? What were 
they ? 

Grace. I hate to be accused of being a tale- 
bearer. But, Edith 

Dan. (rises. Speaks fiercely) Edith? What 
about Edith? 

Grace. If you're going to act like a bear I'm 
not going to tell you. 

Dan. (bowing) I beg your pardon, Grace, if 



-jd THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

I seemed rude. I'm sure I did not mean it. What 
is it? 

Grace. Edith declared you were in a plot to send 
her father to the gallows. 

Dan. {^r'lses and paces floor up and down r. ) 
My God ! how can she think that ? And when I'm 
doing my best to cheat the gallows for her father. 
{Doivn R. ) 

Grace. I know you are misjudged, Dan, and 
I'm sorry. Really and truly I am. (crosses to r. 
and places hand on Dan's shoulder) Why can't 
I help you? 

Dan. Help me? 

Grace. Yes, help you. 

Dan. But how? 

Grace, By being near you and 

Dan. (faces her) Go on. And what? 

Grace, (hangs head) Oh, Dan, why do you 
make me say it ? 

Dan. Say what? 

Grace, (extends arms to Dan) That I love 
you. Oh, Dan 

Dan. (starts back in surprise) Love me, why 
what do you mean? 

Grace. I mean that I've loved you ever since 
we were children. In the old days I thought you 
cared for me. Oh, I was so happy. Oh Dan, 
can't you see Edith doesn't care for you? Can't 
you see it? And I love you, Dan. I love you and 
I don't care who knows it. 

Dan. (steps toward her) Grace, you mustn't 
say such things. 

Grace. But I must. I must. I can't help it. 
Dan, in your present trouble, you need a wife. 

Dan. But I do not love you, 

Grace. But you will. You will. I'll make you, 
Dan, I'll be so good to you — (holds out arms 
again ) 

Dan. Well, speaking about leap lear 



t 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. yy 

Grace, (crosses l.) So, that's the respect you 
have for me. You joke with me. (crosses to door 
R. F. Turns to Dan) Dan Chamberlain, I've 
bared my soul to you. I've debased myself be- 
cause I love you. And you scorn me. Now, look 
out. You've heard the old saying that hell hath no 
fury like a woman scorned. Before I get through 
with you you will have cause to remember it well. 
You couldn't win Edith. You might have won me. 
Now you can win neither of us. Good-bye, Mister 
Chamberlain, (exit door r. f.) 

Dan. (sits at desk c.) Well, here's a pretty 
howdydo. But I guess she's right about winning 
Edith. Oh, if I only could see her alone. But I 
can't think. I've tried and tried. The morning 
air may be good for a tired body, but not for a tired 
brain, (rises) But this is no place to think. I 
want to be alone, (picks up paper. Crosses to 
door L. Exit) 

Ezra, (enter zvindotv L. f. Carries tin hex) 
I wonder why I came here. Oh, why can't I re- 
member things when I try so hard? I know I 
came here for something. Oh yes, the box. Some- 
times I seem to remember. It was that way when 
I went to the ruins of the mill this morning. I 
remembered where I hid the box, but I don't know 
why I came here with it. Oh, I can't remember. 

Abner. (enters through window l. f. ) Can't 
remember what? 

Ezra, (down r. c.) I don't know. 

Abner. (c. Points to box) What hev ye got 
there ? 

Ezra. I don't know. But et's fer Dan. 

Abner. (crosses down r. c. ) Give et t' me an* 
let's see what's in et. 

Ezra. (hugs box closely) No, no, et's fer 
Dan. 

Abner. Well, hev et yer own way, then, Dan'll 



78 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

be here pretty quick. He's gone out t' take a walk. 
I want t' see Dan myself. 

Ezra, {starts for door r. f. ) Well, I'm going. 

Abner. Ain't ye goin' t' wait fer Dan? 

Ezra. No, I'm goin' t' look fer him. 

Abner. Ef ye don't see him pretty quick ye bet- 
ter come back. 

Ezra. All right, (looks out door r. f., slams 
door and runs for zvindow l. f. Exit window l. f. ) 

Abner. {to l. ) Oh, I say, what's th' matter? 
{goes R. to door r. f. Opens it and bumps into 
Sally. Sally and Abner both fall) 

Sally, (rises) Now, Ab Judkins, git up an' 
explain yerself. That's certainly a fine way t' greet 
a lady. 

Abner. (rises and rubs hip. Up c.) Yes, an' 
et's a dandy way t' say good mornin' to' a famous 
detective. 

Sally, (coming down r. c. ) Famous detec- 
tive. Well, you make me laugh. You a great de- 
tective? (laughs) 

Abner. (following dozvn c. ) Oh, go on an' 
laugh but et's true. 

Sally. Well, I'll argue th' matter with ye like 
th' lawyers do. Go on an' prove et. 

Abner. Well, ye know I was hid in th' ward- 
robe in th' jail last night? 

Sally. Yes. 

Abner. I heard a nice conversation between th' 
squire an' sheriff. 

Sally. Yes, go ahead. 

Abner. That's all. 

Sally. What's all? Why don't ye tell me whdt 
et is? 

Abner. Great detectives don't tell their clews t' 
everybody. But when th' proper time comes the 
prosecutin' attorney is goin' t' be surprised. 

Sally. Well, why don't ye go find Dan, instead 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 79 

0' hangin' aroun' here when ye know he's gone 
out? 

Abner. Oh, I didn't come t' see Dan about thet. 
I come t' look up th' law. 

Sally, (aside) Gee, he means thet capsicus 
conundrum. Oh, Lord! (changes tone. Aloud) 
Ab, I think yer a great detective. 

Abner. Why, hev ye jest found thet out? 

Sally. Oh, no, I knew et fer a long time. Why 
I'm proud of ye fer what ye did last night. When 
I think o* what ye did do I could kiss ye. 

Abner. (zviping mouth) Well, I wouldn't ob- 
ject. 

Sally. Object t' what? 

Abner. Object t' hevin' ye kiss me. Come on. 
(puckers up lips.) 

Sally. Well, of all the nerve, (slaps Abner. 
Goes to R. c. ) 

Abner. (l. c.) Ouch! Now, thet's a fine 
thing t' go an' do, Sally. When ye know I love ye. 

Sally. What's thet? 

Abner. I love ye an' I want ye t' marry me. 

Sally. (hangs head and scrapes floor with 
foot) Oh, Ab 

Abner. Now, don't say et 

Sally. Don't say what? 

Abner. Oh, this is so sudden. 

Sally. That ain't what I was goin' t' say. 
(aside) But ef it wasn't fer thet capsicus conun- 
drum. 

Abner. (crosses to Sally) What was ye goin' 
t' say, Sally? 

Sally. I was goin' t' say — Yes, Ab. (throws 
self into Abner's arms) 

Edith, (enters door r. f. Sally and Abner do 
not see her) Ah, Sally, (comes down l.) 

(Sally and Abner break away. Look shame- 
facedly at Edith. Edith smiles.) 



8o THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sally. What d'ye want, Miss Edith? 

Edith. Oh, nothing. Only don't you and 
Abner think this is rather a public place to make 
love ? 

Abner. Oh, et's all right fer engaged folks. 

Edith. Why, are you two engaged? 

(Sally and Abner clasp hands. Nod assent.) 

Edith. That's fine. 

Abner. Yep, an' we're goin' right over an' git 
married now. Come on, Sally, (drags her tozvard 
door R. F.) 

Sally, (hanging back) But, Ab. 

Abner. Oh, thet's all right. I ain't goin' t' take 
a chance on losin' ye again, (exit Sally and Ab- 
ner door R. F. ) 

Edith, (crosses to desk c. ) Oh, why can't I 
be as happy as they? 

Dan. (enters door l. ) Edith. 

Edith, (goes dozvn r.) Dan. (recovers self) 
I mean Mister Chamberlain. 

Dan. Oh, don't say that. Please don't say it, 
Edith. You've come to tell me it's all a mistake, 
that the promise you gave me that afternoon still 
holds good. 

Edith. No, the promise is broken, (crosses 
to L.) 

Dan. (down c.) But why? For heaven's sake 
tell me what has so changed your manner toward 
me since the day of the murder. Tell me, Edith, 
has someone been lying about me? Tell me his 
name, Edith, and, bound as I am to uphold the law, 
I'll break it by killing him. 

Edith. Dan, Dan, you mustn't talk like that. I 
didn't come to talk of love, Dan, I can't talk of it. 
Can't you see how you make me suffer when you 
talk like that? 

Dan. Very well. I will hear what you have to 
say. (motions chair r. ) 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 8i 

Edith. No, I prefer to stand. I came to see 
you about father. Is there any hope? 

Dan. (goes r.) I'm afraid not. It's a clear 
case. (Edith sobs c. ) 

Dan. (continues) There, there, Edith. Don't 
cry. Although the hand of the law seemingly has 
fastened a death grip upon your father Providence 
may yet send a way to pry loose the mailed fingers. 
Edith, (goes l.) Oh, I hope so, I hope so. 
Dan. (crosses to c.) I hope so, too, Edith. 
^ Edith. What? Then you aren't bent on send- 
mg father to the gallows? 

Dan. Why, certainly not. Who has told you 
such things? 

Edith. No one, Dan, but I have such morbid 
f eelmgs and everything seems to be wrong. 

Dan. Edith, if you would give me a chance to 
explam, everything will be all right. Why don't 
you, Edith? (stretches out arms) I am wait- 
ing 

Edith. Please do not talk to me like that, Dan. 
Not now. 

Dan. But is there no hope for me? What have 
I done? What horrible crime have I committed 
that I should be beyond pardon? 

Edith. Dan, please don't talk of it now. 
Dan. But will you give me a chance to explain 
later? ^ 

Edith, (shakes Dan's hand) I will. 

Grace, (enter door r. f.) Oh, I beg your par- 
don. I didn't know I was interrupting such a sen- 
tim.ental little scene. I will go. (turns to go) 

Dan. No, stay. The trial will soon be on and 
you might as well wait here. I have a little work 
to do if you will excuse me. 

Grace. Certainly. 

(Edith bozvs assent. Exit Dan door l.) 



82 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Grace, (comes dozvn r.) So you're going to 
give him a chance to tell you more Hes? 

Edith, (l.) Grace, what is the matter with you? 
Are you jealous? 

Grace, {sits R.) Jealous? Of you? Well, 
that's a good one. I should say I'm not. Dan 
Chamberlain is going to marry me. Jealous of 
vou? {laughs) 

Edith. I don't believe Dan is going to marry 
you. Just wait and I'll call him and ask. 
Grace, {half rising) No, don't do that, 
Edith. Oh, so you have lied. 
Grace, {rises to feet) No, I have not lied. 
But Dan would prefer to have things kept quiet 
until after the trial. 

Edith. Oh, can this be true? 
Dan. {enters from l. door with handful of 
papers) Can what be true? 

Edith. Ask her. {points to Grace) 
Dan. {to Grace) What does she mean? 
Grace, {shrugs shoulders) I don't know. 
Dan. Edith, tell me, what does this mean? Is 
it Grace who has been lying to you? Is she the one 
who has caused this breach between us? Tell me. 
I command you. 

Edith. I don't think you have a right to com- 
mand me. ^ 

Squire, {enters door r. f.) Why, what s all 
this fuss about? 

Dan. This fuss is the result of your lymg to 
Edith. 

Squire. Me lying to her. Why, what do ye 
mean ? 

Dan. I mean that both you and Grace have been 
lying to her. That's what I mean. 

Squire. Ye wrong us, Dan, an' ye'U be sorry. 

Dan. No, I don't. You wrong yourselves. 

Don't you know that every lie brings on another? 

Don't you know that every vile plot you engage m 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 83 

sinks you to a lower level only to engage in a deeper 
and viler one? 

Grace. Come, father, we'll go. We are not 
obliged to remain here to be insulted. 

Dan. Yes, go. (points to door r. f. ) And 
keep on going until you are so far away that you 
will never be able to cause any more trouble in 
Bradford. 

(Grace and Squire start toward door r. f. Enter 
Ezra ivith box. Goes c. ) 

Dan. (down r.) Why, Ezra, what are you 
doing here? 

Ezra. I don't know. I think I came to give you 
this box. 

Squire, (up r. ) Where did ye get that box? 
It's mine, (attempt to take box) 

(Ezra draivs back. Up c. l. and around to l. on 
Squire's speech.) 

Squire, (up c.) Give me thet box, d'ye hear? 
I want it. It's mine an' I'll hev et. (goes after 
Ezra l. Ezra crosses and gets behind Dan c.) 

Dan. (r. c.) Give me the box, Ezra. 

(Ezra gives box to Dan and retires up stage and 
sits chair r. of desk.) 

Dan. Now, Squire, you may have the box 

Squire. Thet's th' proper thing t' do, Dan. Et 
belongs t' me. (crosses to c.) 

Dan. If you can tell me what it contains. 

Squire. But I don't hev to. Th' box is mine. 
Give et t' me, d'ye hear? Oh — (places hand to 
heart) 

Grace, (up r. c.) Careful, father. Don't be- 
come too excited. You know your heart. 



84 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Squire, (c. ) Yes, I know, but Dan Chamber- 
lain hasn't any right to keep my property from me. 
Give et t' me, I say. 

Dan. (r. c. ) I will when you tell me what it 
contains, {to Ezra) Where did you get it, Ezra? 

Ezra. (r. ) Et seems t' me it has some con- 
nection with the night o' th' murder. 

Dan. {goes up to desk. Tries to open it) Why, 
it isn't even locked, {opens box, sits at desk and 
drazi's forth papers) 

Squire, {crosses tip l. of desk, attempts to snatch 
papers but Dan holds them out of his reach) 
Give 'em t' me I say. Give 'em t' me. They're 
mine. 

Dan. That remains to be seen, {looks over pa- 
pers again) Why, what's this? A certificate of 
stock in the Rosebud Girl, one of the richest copper 
mines in Arizona. And it's made out to 

Edith, (l. ) Who? 

Dan. Ruben Hazelton. {rises, crosses dotvn 
R. with papers) 

Edith. Why, that isn't the mine father invested 
his money in. 

Dan. No? Here's another paper. A letter, 
{reads) To Edward Evans, Esq., yours of the 
1 6th received, together with power of attorney to 
collect dividends on stock held in name of Ruben 
Hazelton. In the future dividend checks will be 
made payable to you and mailed to your address. 
Very truly yours, Henry Hanlon, secretary and 
treasurer Rosebud Girl Mining Company. {to 
Squire) So that's the way you robbed Ruben 
Hazelton, is it? Why, you old scoundrel. But 
you're going to answer for it. There is just one 
thing I've been wishing since I have held the office 
of prosecuting attorney, and that is that I could get 
you in my clutches. 

Squire. It's a lie. A lie, I say. 

Dan. {at desk c.) Well, you shall have a 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 85 

chance to prove that in court. And I also beHeve 
you were responsible for an attempt to murder 
Rube In the jail last n-ight. 

Squire, (l. of desk) Thet's another lie. 

Abner. {enters door r. f.) No, et isn't, Squire 
Evans. 

Squire, (aside) All is lost, (aloud to Abner) 
What d'ye mean? 

Abner. (crosses up c. to l.) I mean thet I 
heard all thet happened in th' sheriff's office last 
night. I heard th' way ye accused th' sheriff of 
bein' wanted fer a murder up in Michigan an' how 
ye forced him into tryin' t' kill Rube. 

(Enter Sally door r. f. Up c.) 

All. (but Dan) Murder? 
Abner. Yes, murder. 

(Enter Sheriff and Mrs. Hazelton. Sheriff 
goes down R. Mrs. Hazelton goes up c. to 
Sally. ) 

Abner. But th' sheriff has got only one murder 
t' answer fer, thanks t' th' wardrobe with th' skunk 
odor. 

Sheriff, (steps forzvard) Yes, an' he's ready 
to answer fer it, too. Folks, I did kill a man up in 
Michigan. It was an accident, but maybe th' law 
wouldn't consider et so. God knows I've suffered 
enough without being taken t' prison fer th' rest of 
my life, but ef th' law s^.ys et must be thet way, 
I suppose et must. Dan, ye kin lock me up an' then 
notify th' Michigan officers where I am. 

Dan. (comes dozvn to Sheriff) They know 
where you are. Sheriff. 

Sheriff. Then they were comin' after me any- 
way? 

Dan. No, Sheriff, they know it was an accident. 



86 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Sheriff. Accident! Thank God. {sinks into, 
chair r. and covers face with hands) 

Dan. Yes, I've known it all along and thought 
you also knew it. I said nothing because I didn't 
want to stir up unpleasant memories. But go on. 
Abner, what else 

Abner. An' I heard Grace talk about th' plot she 
put up t' separate you an' Edith. I heard her say 
thet sprained ankle trick an' th' kiss she give Dan 
worked t' perfection, 

Grace. You lie, Ab Judkins, you know you lie. 

Dan. No, he doesn't lie. Otherwise how would 
he have known about the sprained ankle trick? 
Why, within an hour after the accident you were 
walking without a limp. And the kiss you gave 
me. So that was it? And then you told Edith 

Edith, (l. ) No, I saw it myself. I saw her 
kiss you and then you went to the gate with her 
and you had your arm around her. Oh, Dan, can 
you ever forgive me? 

Dan. Edith — (stretches out arms and Edith 
goes into them) 

Grace, (up c.) Yes, it's true. As well as I 
have played my cards I have lost, (to Dan) 
Well, what are you going to do with me? 

Dan. (r. c.) I have nothing against you, 
Grace. You may go. (Grace exits weeping, door 

R. F.) 

Edith, (breaks away from Dan) But, Dan, 
what of father? 

Dan. Well, he may appeal to the Supreme 
court, but I'm afraid there isn't much hope. 

Mrs. Hazelton. (comes down) No hope! Oh, 
Dan, don't say that. And how can we appeal t' th' 
Supreme court when we haven't any money? 

Dan. No money? Why, Rube owns stock in 
the richest copper mine on earth, (to Sheriff) 
Where is Rube? 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 87 

Sheriff. In th' courtroom in charge of one o' 
my deputies. 

Dan. Go and explain to the judge and bring 
him here for a moment. 

(Exit Sheriff door r. f.) 

Dan. (continues) Now, we shall see whether 
Rube signed that power of attorney or not. 

Squire. Oh, this is all very pretty, but supposin' 
he didn't. 

Dan. Then you'll go to jail where you belong. 

Squire. Yes, but I'll be out in a little while an' 
Rube Hazelton never will get out. This little scene 
is all very pretty, Dan, but it ain't goin' t' help ye 
a bit. 

(Sheriff and Rube enter door r. f. Rube comes 
doivn r.) 

Dan. Rube, did you ever sign a power of at- 
torney to allow the squire to collect dividends in 
the Rosebud Girl mine for you? 

Ruben. No, I don't own any stock in thet mine. 

Dan. (picks up paper and hands it to Ruben) 
Yes you do. Look here. 

Ruben, (glances at paper. To Mrs. Hazelton) 
Martha, we're rich. 

Squire, (down l. ) Well, all this doesn't clear 
Rube of th' murder o' George Gregory. But I'm 
not goin' t' wait fer any more. I won't stay here 
t' be insulted, (starts for door r. f. ) 

Ezra, (gets in front of Squire) Don't go yet. 
Squire. 

Squire. Out of my way. (strikes Ezra with 
cane. Ezra falls) 

(Abner grapples with Squire. Throws him down 
L. again. Sheriff crosses l. to side of 



88 THE HAND OF THE LAW. 

Squire. Edith crosses down r. Dan runs to 
side of Ezra. Kneels. Squire holds hand to 
heart apparently in great misery. Sheriff 
helps Squire to chair l. Ezra recovers. Dan 
helps him to his feet. Ezra brushes hand 
across forehead. Comes down to chair r. of 
desk.) 

Ezra. Why, what does all this mean? Where 
am I ? 

Dan. (r. of Ezra) You are here in the prose- 
cutor's office. 

Ezra. That's right, and I jest come t' tell th' 
prosecutor about a murder up at th' mill. 

Dan. What are you saying, Ezra. Do you re- 
member? 

Ezra. Remember? Why, et jest happened. 

Squire. Why, what's all this? 

Dan. It means that Ezra has recovered his 
memory. It means that his mind has been a blank 
since the night of the tragedy. It means that the 
cruel blow you struck him just now has worked the 
miracle that medical skill was powerless to do. 
The shock which Dr. Burton said might restore his 
mind has come. For heaven's sake, Ezra, speak. 

Mrs. Hazelton. {comes down hack of desk) 
Yes, for God's sake, go on. 

Ezra. Well, et was this way. I went up t' th' 
dam fishin' in th' afternoon an' I fell asleep right 
under th' window o' th* mill office. I was awak- 
ened by voices an' I saw two men quarrelin'. Sud- 
denly a box come flyin' through th' window. Then 
George Gregory yelled, " I've found ye out, ye rob- 
ber, an' I'm goin' t' tell." Then th' other grabbed 
up a hatchet an' struck out with et. Th' man who 
fell was George Gregory, th' other was 

(Squire is visibly agitated during Ezra's speech.) 



THE HAND OF THE LAW. 89 

Dan. For God's sake, Ezra, who was the other 
man? 

Ezra. (rises. Points to Squire) Th' other 
man was Squire Evans. (Squire springs to feet) 

Ruben. Thank God. 

Squire. Et's a lie, I say, a He. He found out 
about th' mine, but I didn't mean t' kill him I swear 
et. (clasps hand to heart and falls back into chair) 

Dan. Sheriff, arrest Squire Evans. 

Sheriff, (crosses to Squire. Looks surprised. 
Listens at Squire's heart. Places haiidkerchief 
over Squire's face) Et's too late. 

Dan. Why. what do you mean ? 

Sheriff. Squire Evans is dead. 

(Ruben goes to arms of Mrs. Hazelton.) 

Dan. He is beyond the reach of the hand of the 
law. 

(Sally embraces Abner, zvho is up c. ) 

(Final curtain. Climax positions.) 

I — Edith 
2 — Dan 

3 — Sheriff 

4 — Squire 

5 — Ruben 

6 — Mrs. Hazelton 

7 — Sally 

8 — Abner 

9 — Ezra 



SEP 26 191?' 



